Research Associate in Remote Sensing and Ecosystem Functioning - [Archived Advertisement]

This role presents you with a fantastic opportunity to join a very high performing  team of researchers in the Climate Change Cluster (C3) undertaking research to integrate satellite and proximal sensing technologies to conduct multidisciplinary research linking landscape ecology and phenology processes with human health - landscape – climate interactions across Australia and Asia-Pacific region.

About the Role

You will support  the Climate Change Cluster located within the Faculty of Science.  Together with the team and an academic research leaders, you will employ new and advanced satellite sensors (Landsat, Sentinel, VIIRS, Himawari) for high definition phenology and geophysical parameter retrievals to better understand climate and land use impacts on ecosystem functioning and resilience. The extreme climate conditions and species invasions presently afflicting Australia provide exceptional opportunities to research changing landscapes, emerging health threats, and improve upon ecological forecasting capabilities through cross-scale and multi-sensor observational datasets.

This position is funded by an ARC Discovery Project entitled ‘Satellite tracking of emerging health threats from grass pollen exposure’ and a Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) project on “Phenology product development and future transitions for AusCover”, both led by Professor Alfredo Huete within the Ecosystem Dynamics, Health and Resilience Research Group in the Climate Change Cluster (C3) at UTS.

About the Institute

UTS has a bold vision to be a world-leading university of technology. We are a dynamic and innovative university in central Sydney, consistently ranked the top young university in Australia. With a culturally diverse campus life and extensive international exchange and research programs, UTS prepares graduates for the workplaces of today and tomorrow. 

Since its inception in 2008, the Climate Change Cluster (C3) at the University of Technology Sydney has been delivering on its strategic plan to build momentum, increase impact and be recognised internationally for its research excellence.

The institute has quadrupled in size since 2008 and has expanded its research capability from ecology to include additional expertise in plant physiology, microbiology, cellular biology, microfluidics, biochemistry, molecular biology (genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), physics (bio-optics), ecological modelling, chemistry, bio-informatics and remote sensing.

As a successful candidate you will possess:

• a PhD in a relevant field such as remote sensing, ecology, eco hydrology, climate dynamics, or an interdisciplinary combination of these fields.
• the ability to access data and resources, documenting results to meet project goals and timelines and preparing publications for leading international journals.
• knowledge of physical remote sensing, radiative transfer theory, image processing and analysis, and programming (Python, R, Matlab, C).
• quantitative knowledge in data analysis, quality control, filtering, statistical time series analysis and familiarity with machine learning tools (e.g., Random Forests).
• a broad understanding of integration of cross-sensor and cross-scale Earth Observing data (e.g. MODIS, VIIRS, Landsat, Sentinel, Himawari-8).
• the ability to use and process satellite and proximal (phenocam, field spectroradiometer) remote sensing data in support of vegetation dynamics and ecosystems research.
• demonstrated track record in publication of research findings in international journals.

Remuneration and Benefits

Base Salary Range: $75,120 to $91,491 pa (Level A)

This role attracts 17% superannuation in addition to the base salary. Employee benefits include flexible work practices, child care centres, generous parental leave and salary packaging opportunities.

This position is full-time and appointment will be made on a fixed term basis for 24 months with a possible extension.

Prior to commencing your application for IRC99147, please review the Position Description and the relevant selection criteria - click on the apply link to be taken to the relevant page. You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. 
  
Please note that only those applications submitted via the UTS online recruitment system will be accepted.  Current UTS employees should apply through their UTS Employee Self Service function.

As you will be unable to save your application once started, please have all required documents and information available prior to commencing.

Please ensure that the file name for each document submitted includes IRC99147.

Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the UTS Recruitment Team at recruitment@uts.edu.au or on +61 (0) 2 9514 1080.

Please be advised that as part of the selection process that you may be requested to deliver a presentation, the audience for which may include individuals not on the Selection Panel.

Closing Date: 4th September 2017 at 11.59pm (AEST)

Please note: We are only accepting on-line applications for this post, however, if you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to provide us with information in this way, please contact the Recruitment Team for assistance.

UTS is widely acknowledged as a leader in promoting gender equity and social justice. Cited as a WGEA Employer of Choice since the inception of the award, UTS is a current participant in the SAGE pilot program, the Australian trial of the Athena Swan gender equity accreditation program. We welcome applications from women, particularly for senior and non-traditional roles.