UAV Data Architect

Adelaide University Careers; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 138,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine seeks an UAV Data Architect to lead data architecture development for the NUAVRIR project at Waite Campus. You’ll collaborate with researchers, developers and stakeholders to standardize data assets, processing algorithms and derived data to enable a FAIR national collection for reuse and new applications.

The role focuses on robust data frameworks, governance and cross-institution collaboration, with the aim of transforming

Qualifications

• Experience leading or supporting a small team in a data or informatics environment.
• Familiar with research data: tabular data, digital assets, metadata and licences.
• Experience with metadata standards, identifiers and data principles.
• Background in large-scale, complex data/tech projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of robust data architecture and management frameworks for the NUAVRIR project.
• Establish data processes and standards for flight parameters, platform characteristics, imagery and derived data assets.
• Collaborate with partners, researchers and stakeholders to enable FAIR national data collections.

Skills

Data architecture

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Metadata standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Data Science

Job description

• Based in the College of Science, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the Waite Campus (Urrbrae). Alternative location possible at APPN Nodes in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne or Perth.
• Full-time, fixed term contract until 30 June 2028.
• Salary Range: (HEO9) $137,795 - $147,421 per annum (plus 17% superannuation).

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.

The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN, https://plantphenomics.org.au/) is a national NCRIS-funded research network delivering infrastructure and services to measure and analyse the traits of plants, particularly in support of Australian agriculture. APPN is leading a new National UAV Research Image Repository (NUAVRIR) collaboration with other NCRIS projects (AuScope, TERN, CoastRI) to develop standards-based pipelines for Australian UAV-derived research imagery.

Workthat matters

As the UAV Data Architect, you will lead the development and implementation of robust data architecture, management frameworks and standards for the NUAVRIR project. Working closely with project partners, researchers, developers and key stakeholders, you will establish agreed data processes and standards covering flight parameters and context, platform characteristics, primary and derived imagery, processing algorithms and derived data assets to enable all partners to deliver a FAIR national collection of machine-interoperable data products for reuse and new application development.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description above to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

Reporting to the Director, Data Management APPN, you will work closely with APPN central staff, APPN node teams and NCRIS program partners, and you will engage with the CEO of the Australian Plant Phenomics Network, and local and international research networks and the APPN host organisation.

Visit the AU website to learn moreaboutAustralian Plant Phenomics Network | Home

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.

This role will be ideal for you are passionate about data management, developing innovative data solutions and enabling high-quality research. You thrive on solving complex data challenges, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and applying best-practice data standards to support research excellence and drive innovation in agricultural science.

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:

• Experience leading or supporting a small team in a data or informatics environment
• Demonstrated familiarity with research projects and the characteristics of research data, including managing and archiving tabular data and digital assets
• Experience authoring and curating metadata, applying metadata standards, identifiers, licences, and specified data principles
• Experience working in large-scale, complex projects, ideally in the data and technology space
• Proven ability to interact professionally and effectively with stakeholders, users, and technical staff length

Ourcommitment to inclusionand diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity iscelebratedand everyone feels respected and valued.Adelaide University, Tirkangkaku isanequal opportunityemployer,committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Westrongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of allages,genders,cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, andgender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible workingarrangementsand providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your futurewith Adelaide University, Tirkangkaku now

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria thatyou need to address.

Submit your application by11:30pm Sunday 22 November 2026.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493409):

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.