Research Fellow

• Level B, full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 3 years
• Base salary range: $108,509 - $128,404 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team

The Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) is a national research and communication team based at the University of Western Australia. AHRI research focuses on crop and weed science, and herbicide resistance in the Australian grains industry, having received major investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). AHRI’s mantra is “More crop, fewer weeds – sustainably”. To fulfil this, we conduct research and extension to encourage sustainable cropping and weed control across Australia.

About the opportunity

AHRI has a new project to map weed patches in farmers' fields using remote sensing and, from this, to develop a spatial model to predict the likely location of these patches in upcoming seasons. Therefore, we are seeking a research fellow with expertise in remote sensing and data science (machine learning), along with some experience in agriculture, to process/analyse large remote-sensing datasets in support of the development of weed management tools. There will also be opportunities to co-supervise postgraduate students.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will have:

• A PhD in Agricultural Science, Biological Sciences, or a similar field.
• A demonstrable track record in excellence in research evidenced by peer-reviewed journal articles published in high quality journals, relative to opportunity
• Experience in collaborating in interdisciplinary teams.
• Evidence of successful supervision or co-supervision of higher degree by research (HDR) students, relative to opportunity
• Experience in managing large datasets and working with remote sensing data in multiple formats, including building data processing pipelines.
• Understanding of image-based plant analysis and how computational methods can provide relevant information for separation of different plant species on variable backgrounds.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g. Pytorch or Tensorflow) focused on image segmentation and image-based prediction.
• Ability to integrate multidimensional datasets (text, numeric tables and images) into a deep learning framework.
• Familiarity with working in a supercomputer environment with containerised and portable workflows (e.g. Docker, Singularity).
• Programming skills (preferably Python) and experience with dataset annotation and management, as well as code version control (Git).

Note: Provision of a Current “C” class Australian Driver’s Licence will be required for the successful applicant.

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description: PD - Research Fellow 517282.pdf

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday, 24 May 2024.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Dr Mike Ashworth at [email protected]

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution. We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity.

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.