Research Fellow – National Coastal Drone Program

Job no: 585457

Work type: Full-time

Location: Warrnambool

Categories: Research, Science

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:

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

Advertised: 19 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 16 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time