Research Assoc/Fellow

Job Reference:

About the Role:

Are you a hyperspectral remote sensing expert passionate about pushing the boundaries of Earth observation and data analytics? Do you thrive at the intersection of space-based imaging, geospatial analytics and deep learning? Look no further.

The Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, is seeking to hire a Research Associate / Research Fellow with a hyperspectral remote sensing and geospatial data science expertise to work on a research project jointly funded by The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre and GRDC through the Analytics for the Australian Grains Industry (AAGI) program. The ideal candidate will be an expert in hyperspectral remote sensing with significant experience in data science for geospatial data analytics.

This research project aims to define the optimal specifications for spaceborne hyperspectral sensors to detect diseases in Australia's key wheat and barley crops.  The successful candidate will lead the development and validation of advanced algorithms for disease detection, contributing to Australia's data-driven crop health monitoring systems. This work will support sustainable crop production and enhance national capabilities in agricultural disease management.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and application of novel methods/pipelines for processing and analysing satellite, airborne and proximal-sensor hyperspectral data for crop disease detection and monitoring.
• Develop machine learning or physics-informed models to retrieve reliable spectral and/or biophysical features, from multi-scale hyperspectral imagery, useful for disease detection and monitoring.
• Develop validated satellite data simulation methodology.
• Develop disease detection and differentiation algorithms demonstrably effective on both simulated and real satellite hyperspectral data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (field crop pathologists, AI researchers, remote sensing researchers, plant disease epidemiologists, etc.).
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Co-author peer-reviewed publications, contribute to writing research proposals, and mentoring of higher degree by research students.

Who we are looking for – Selection Criteria:

Essential:

1. A PhD in remote sensing, geoinformatics, computer vision, or a related discipline.
2. Demonstrated expertise in hyperspectral remote sensing, including pre-processing (e.g., atmospheric correction), spectral unmixing, and variable retrieval, feature extraction.
3. Experience working with cloud-based platforms and large-scale EO data workflows.
4. Strong programming skills with experience using scientific and geospatial libraries.
5. Experience with geospatial platforms (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS, or cloud-native EO tools).
6. Track record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific communication.
7. A passion for translating data into impact.

Desirable:

1. Experience with radiative transfer modelling
2. Familiarity with machine learning / deep learning applications in remote sensing.
3. Involvement in open science, reproducible workflows for EO data or geospatial data science
4. Knowledge of plant physiology or agricultural science, particularly in relation to crop stress and disease.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed term role, you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure of the role to be considered.
• A valid drivers' license (C class).
• Inter-state travel and field work (for up to 2 weeks at a time, and up to 3 times per year) is a requirement of the role.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.

Why Join Us – Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM):

• Opportunity to inform sensor design specifications for the next generation of hyperspectral satellites for applications
• Help engineer solution to sustainability challenges in crop production and food security.
• Access to high-performance computing and institutional research infrastructure.
• Opportunities to lead and collaborate on international projects.
• Professional development in publishing, proposal writing, and academic career planning.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines. 

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. 

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.   

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:   

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary), personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.   

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit      

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page -    

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.  

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit  

Join Us  

If working at the cutting-edge remote sensing appeals to you, please click APPLY NOW, and attach the following documents:

• Current CV
• A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.  

Applications close: Monday, 27 October 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.