Research Associate

Adelaide University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 104,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

Adelaide University invites applications for a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to develop the next generation of operational forest inventory methods. The project combines unmanned aerial laser scanning, terrestrial and mobile laser scanning, calibration-transfer, and machine learning to improve forest attribute estimation across plantation environments.

The successful applicant will transfer detailed ground-based LiDAR data to landscape-scale aerial datasets, contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Remote Sensing, Computer Vision, Forestry, Geomatics, ML, Spatial Statistics or closely related.
• Experience in LiDAR processing, photogrammetry, ML and geospatial analysis.
• Ability to analyse large spatial datasets and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop next-generation calibration-transfer methods for multi-platform LiDAR.
• Machine learning and statistical modelling of forest structural attributes.
• Quantify uncertainty and propagate it in operational forest inventory.
• Develop transferable inventory models across species and regions.
• Automate tree detection, segmentation and structural reconstruction.
• Integrate aerial, terrestrial and mobile LiDAR with other sensing modalities.
• Publish high-impact journal papers and collaborate with forestry industry partners.

Skills

LiDAR processing

Photogrammetry

Machine learning

Geospatial analysis

Large spatial datasets

Programming Python

Programming R

Programming MATLAB

Written and oral communication

Quantitative skills

Education

PhD (or near completion) in Remote Sensing / Geomatics / ML / CV

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

• Based in the College of Engineering and Information Technology at the Mawson Lakes
• Full-time, 12 month fixed term contract
• Salary Range: $ 103,962 - $111,384 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)
• Contribute to the development of the next generation of operational forest inventory technologies

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

This multidisciplinary project will require a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate who will help to develop the next generation of operational forest inventory methods. The project combines unmanned aerial laser scanning (ULS), terrestrial and mobile laser scanning (TLS/MLS), statistical calibration-transfer, and machine learning technologies to improve the estimation of forest structural attributes across plantation forest environments.

Building on recently developed methods for LiDAR fusion and calibration-transfer, the successful applicant will investigate new approaches for transferring detailed structural information from limited ground-based LiDAR acquisitions to landscape-scale aerial datasets. The research will contribute to scalable forest inventory systems supporting timber valuation, carbon accounting, forest monitoring, and precision forest management.

Curious to learn more?

The team

Based in Mawson Lakes, you'll be part of a collaborative team working closely with the Forestry Centre of Excellence at Adelaide University's Mount Gambier campus. Developed in partnership with industry, this project is focused on delivering practical research and innovative solutions that directly address the challenges facing the forestry sector.

The Green Triangle is Australia's premier forestry region, producing around one-third of the country's structural timber. Through strong partnerships with industry, government and research organisations, you'll contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that improve decision-making across the forest value chain and support the sustainability and growth of Australia's timber industry.

Visit the AU website to learn more about the Forestry Centre of Excellence.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

The successful applicant will contribute to research including:

• development of next-generation calibration-transfer and domain adaptation methods for multi-platform LiDAR
• machine learning and statistical modelling of forest structural attributes (e.g., DBH, height, crown dimensions, biomass, and stem quality)
• uncertainty quantification and propagation in operational forest inventory
• development of transferable inventory models across species, sites, stand age, sensors, and geographic regions
• automated tree detection, segmentation, and structural reconstruction
• integration of aerial, terrestrial, and mobile LiDAR with other sensing modalities
• publication of high-impact journal papers and collaboration with forestry industry partners

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• a PhD (or be close to completion) in Remote Sensing, Computer Vision, Forestry, Geomatics, Machine Learning, Spatial Statistics, or a closely related discipline
• demonstrated research experience in one or more of:LiDAR processing
• photogrammetry
• machine learning
• geospatial analysis
• experience analysing large spatial datasets
• programming experience in Python, R, or MATLAB
• strong quantitative and statistical skills
• excellent written and oral communication skills

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493558):

[phone] | [e-mail]

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.