Fixed Term Full Time Appointment (contract till September 2026)
HE Academic Level A – annual salary up to $111,253 pa
Plus 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Casuarina Campus

We are seeking a Research Fellow with a keen interest in the application of UAVs (aka drones) and their safe integration into research practices.

About the Position
As the Research Fellow, you will be responsible for supporting the ongoing research projects investigating the application of UAVs (drones) for a wide range of applications including the transport of cargo, mapping wetlands and coastal areas, and undertaking surveillance and night operations. These research applications require the drone flights to occur over large distances Beyond the Visual Line of Sight of the pilot. This type of flying is really where drones have much greater commercial application, and considerable research is required to solve the regulatory, logistical, technical and analytical challenges of these types of drone operations.

This is a new research area; therefore, demonstrated experience in undertaking BLVOS flights using UAVs operations is desirable rather than essential, but we do expect some level of aviation or UAV flight experience. Your background could be from the Environmental Sciences, Health, Disaster and Emergency management, Agriculture or Logistics, and what we are looking for is an enthusiastic individual with high technical ability and research competency who has a desire to implement these transformative technologies.

About You
To be successful, you will require:

• A post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated research profile as evidenced by publications.
• Demonstrated effective work management and professional skills including the ability to manage workloads with minimal supervision, balance competing priorities and ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to innovation and research and be willing to spend time in remote regions of North Australia.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in Operating UAVs in a research context
• A pass in the CASA BVLOS OCTA examination
• Experience in manned aircraft or remotely piloted aircraft flight operations

To view the full position description please click the apply link to be directed to the vacancy on our CDU job site and then click on job attachments.

Remuneration
Appointment to this role will be at HE Academic Level A. The base salary will be in the range of $74,157 - $111,253 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $86,763- $130,166 per annum, including 17% superannuation.

What’s in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education and research
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
• 17% superannuation
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities

How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role, relevant skills and experience and response addressing the selection criteria of the role.

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Hamish Campbell on 08 8946 6017 or email [email protected]

Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment to support applicants and employees with disability. CDU’s Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found at https://policies.cdu.edu.au/view-current.php?id=191&version=1. If you would like to discuss adjustments, please contact the People Services Team on 08 8946 6284 or email [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our University community feels they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected University in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all
levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neuro-diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.
Applications Close: Friday 20th June 2025