Research Fellow – National Coastal Drone Program

• Based at our Warnambool Campus
• Full-time and fixed-term for 2.5 years
• Level A $86,599 - $116,417 + 17% Superannuation

Join Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences as an Associate Research Fellow and contribute to the $5M National Coastal Drone Program. Working within a dynamic research team in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, you’ll play a key role in UAV‑based coastal mapping, drone data processing, Citizen Science coordination, and environmental data analysis. This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging researcher to build capability, collaborate with industry and government partners, and help deliver impactful, solution‑led research with real‑world outcomes.

As an Associate Research Fellow, you will:

• Undertake multirotor UAV operations under Deakin’s ReOC to support coastal mapping activities.
• Process drone photogrammetry data, including QA/QC and cleaning, following established guidance documentation.
• Assist with drone data analysis and analytics, including Python‑based workflows for environmental, spatial or coastal datasets.
• Organise data structures and metadata, ensuring adherence to metadata standards and supporting data archiving.
• Collaborate with a dynamic research team to deliver high‑quality research outputs and contribute to the National Coastal Drone Program’s real‑world impact.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• PhD in a relevant discipline (or equivalent qualifications/experience) with emerging research and scholarship through publications.
• Strong ability to contribute to research, teaching, administration and community engagement, supported by excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• RePL for multirotor < 7 kg (required).
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming for environmental, spatial or coastal data analysis.
• Experience with UAV operations, drone photogrammetry processing and QA/QC workflows, and managing large environmental datasets including metadata standards and data archiving.

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume, a short cover letter and responses to the Key Selection Criteria.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Daniel Ierodiaconou (Professor) on daniel.ierodiaconou@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 Associate Research Fellow_LES.pdf

Applications for this position close on 16th July at 11:55pm.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.