Research Associate (Ecological Remote Sensing)

UTS; Broadway; Hybrid; AUD 98,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Flexible work practices

Generous parental leave

Salary packaging opportunities

Job summary

UTS invites applications for a Research Associate (Ecological Remote Sensing) to lead satellite remote-sensing analyses, integrate ground observations, and advance climate-biodiversity studies across Australia. The role focuses on MODIS/Landsat phenology, cross-scale data linkages, and collaborative workflow development.

The position is full-time, fixed-term up to 2 years, hybrid with onsite Broadway Sydney, commencing Jan–Apr 2027. Applicants must have a PhD and strong publication record.

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental remote sensing, geospatial science, landscape ecology or closely related field.
• Experience processing and analysing satellite time series (MODIS, Landsat and/or Sentinel-2) for vegetation phenology or ecosystem applications.
• Strong programming skills (Python and/or R) for reproducible geospatial analysis, including HPC/cloud environments and good data management practice.
• Ability to link remote sensing with ground ecological or biodiversity data to address ecological research questions.
• A publication record appropriate to career stage, and strong written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Australian biomes, alternative earth observation satellites (AHI, GEDI, PlanetScope), and datasets like ALA, Survey plots, phenocams, flux towers.
• Experience supervising junior researchers or engaging with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead long-term satellite remote-sensing analyses using MODIS and Landsat to map phenological trends and hotspots in Australian ecosystems.
• Develop cross-scale approaches linking satellite observations with ground phenology records and landscape vegetation dynamics.
• Investigate how climate, biodiversity and vegetation phenology interact by integrating satellite products with ground datasets.
• Collaborate with UTS CAMGIS/GeoAI and RMIT partners to develop reproducible geospatial workflows and deliver high-impact maps and publications.

Skills

Satellite time series analysis

Python and/or R

HPC/cloud environments

Geospatial data management

Written and oral communication

supervision of junior researchers

Education

PhD in environmental remote sensing / geospatial science / landscape ecology

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Research Associate (Ecological Remote Sensing)

Our vision is to be a leading public university of technology recognised for our global impact. We are a dynamic and innovative university, ranked by the Times Higher Education as Australia's top young university, and located centrally in one of the world's most liveable cities. With a culturally diverse campus life and extensive international exchange and research programs, UTS prepares graduates for the workplaces of today and tomorrow.

About the Role

The School of Life Sciences is devoted to the study of life across a broad range of biological disciplines, from molecules and cells to species and ecosystems. The School brings together a vibrant research and teaching culture with a diversity of interests in the area of biomedical research, sustainability and ecosystem health and life sciences technologies.

Detailed Description

You will work under the supervision of EM Professor Alfredo Huete, and your main focus will be leading the project's remote-sensing component, generating and interpreting long-term satellite phenology products and integrating these with ground-based observations to advance understanding of climate, biodiversity and ecosystem change across Australia.

Key responsibilities in the role will include (but not limited to):

• Lead innovative long-term satellite remote-sensing analyses, using MODIS and Landsat archives to map phenological trends, shifts, variability and emerging hotspots across Australian ecosystems.
• Develop and apply cross-scale approaches that link continuous satellite observations with ground-based phenology records, including transfer relationships that connect plant life-cycle events with landscape-scale vegetation dynamics.
• Investigate how climate, biodiversity and vegetation phenology interact, integrating satellite products with species-composition, citizen-science, phenocam and ecosystem-observation datasets.
• Work within a dynamic multi-institutional team to develop reproducible geospatial workflows, deliver high-impact maps and publications, and collaborate with UTS CAMGIS/GeoAI and RMIT partners on nationally significant environmental research.

About you

To be successful in the role, you will need to demonstrate in your application to the following specific role criteria.

• PhD in environmental remote sensing, geospatial science, landscape ecology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience processing and analysing satellite time series (MODIS, Landsat and/or Sentinel-2) for vegetation phenology or ecosystem applications.
• Strong programming skills (Python and/or R) for reproducible geospatial analysis, including HPC/cloud environments and good data management practice.
• Ability to link remote sensing with ground ecological or biodiversity data to address ecological research questions.
• A publication record appropriate to career stage, and strong written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Australian biomes, alternative earth observation satellites, such as the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI), GEDI, and PlanetScope and datasets such as ALA, Survey plots, phenocams and flux towers.
• Experience supervising junior researchers or engaging with stakeholders.

Refer to the attached Position Statement for a full listing of the role responsibilities.

Remuneration

Base Salary Range: $97,955 - $119,303 per annum (Academic Level A)

This role attracts 17% superannuation in addition to the base salary.

UTS staff also benefit from a wide range of Employee Benefits include flexible work practices, generous parental leave and salary packaging opportunities.This position is full time and appointment will be made on a fixed-term basis for a period of up to 2 years. Hybrid work arrangements are available in which comprise of working onsite at the UTS Broadway Sydney campus with some flexible working arrangements (including working from home).

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will commence between January to April 2027, with the exact start date being negotiable.

Closing Date

Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 11.59pm (AEST)

Applicants must have current and valid work rights in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

UTS prioritises safety, respect, and inclusion for every member of our community. In support of this, and in line with our statutory obligations under the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2026, all prospective employees must declare any past investigations relating to gender-based violence. Employment at UTS is contingent upon completion of this declaration, and, where necessary, assessment of any identified risk

Accessibility

UTS Recruitment care about digital accessibility. If there is any content in our advertising that you have struggled with, please make us aware so that we can make our information accessible to all.

In addition, if you have a disability that requires adjustment to the recruitment process or an alternative application pathway please contact for assistance.

UTS is recognised widely as supporting inclusivity and diversity through our Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy, Social Impact Framework and UTS Access and Inclusion Plan. Cited as a WGEA Employer of Choice since the inception of the award, we were among the first Australian institutions to receive the Athena SWAN Bronze Accreditation for our commitment to action addressing gender equity in the STEMM disciplines.

We welcome applications from women, Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those who identify as LGBTIQ and applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.