Western Sydney University

Principal Fellow in Remote Sensing

Western Sydney University · Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
Richmond, New South Wales, Australia $179K–$197K Posted 2026-07-13
Salary
$179K–$197K
Type
Full-time
Experience
10+ yr
  • 0.2 FTE Part-time, 5-year Fixed-Term position at Academic Level D.
  • Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
  • Salary: $179,822 – $197,660 p.a. + 17% Super (Pro-rata).

Provide strategic expertise in remote sensing to shape environmental monitoring and research across landscapes.

The Opportunity

You will provide strategic expertise in remote sensing and geospatial analysis to strengthen environmental research capability at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment. The role supports research programs focused on ecosystem monitoring, vegetation dynamics, and land use change, integrating spatial data and advanced remote sensing approaches into interdisciplinary initiatives.

You will contribute to research design, spatial data analysis, and development of environmental monitoring frameworks that combine remote sensing, spatial modelling, and field-based ecological data. Working across existing projects and new initiatives, you will help expand the Institute’s capacity to address environmental challenges through geospatial technologies and collaborative research.

In this fractional appointment, you will also support Higher Degree Research students and mentor early career researchers. You will contribute to building collaborations with internal and external partners, including government and research organisations, and assist in developing research proposals and funding opportunities aligned to environmental monitoring and spatial analytics.

What Success Looks Like:

  • Provide expert input into remote sensing and geospatial analysis for research programs.
  • Develop and contribute to integrated environmental monitoring approaches.
  • Support new collaborative research initiatives and funding opportunities.
  • Mentor early career researchers and support postgraduate research supervision.
  • Strengthen partnerships with external organisations and research stakeholders.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

  • A PhD in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated expertise and recognised leadership in remote sensing and geospatial analysis applied to environmental monitoring.
  • Strong technical capability in GIS, spatial modelling, and programming (e.g. Python, R).
  • Experience contributing to interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across academia, government, and industry.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

  • Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
  • Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
  • Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

  • Position Enquiries: Direct to Professor Uffe Nielsen via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1628E.
  • Closing Date: 11:59pm, Monday 3rd August 2026.
  • Working Rights: You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia for the full term of the appointment at time of application.
  • How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University's online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy . We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected] .

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn .

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