At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing next-gen forest inventory technologies using cutting-edge LiDAR and machine learning.
- Company: Adelaide University, a leader in innovative research and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 17% superannuation, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and supports flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable forestry practices and contribute to Australia's timber industry.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant fields; strong skills in programming and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 103962 - 111384 $ per year.
Based in the College of Engineering and Information Technology at the Mawson Lakes, this is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract with a salary range of $103,962 - $111,384 per annum (plus 17% superannuation).
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.
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.
The team is based in Mawson Lakes and works closely with the Forestry Centre of Excellence at Adelaide University's Mount Gambier campus. This project is focused on delivering practical research and innovative solutions that directly address the challenges facing the forestry sector.
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
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
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.
Applications are 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.
Research Associate in Adelaide employer: Adelaide University
At Adelaide University, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Senior Manager in Biological Services, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also have access to professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on creating a better tomorrow, you'll be part of a community that inspires future change-makers while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
