Airborne Scientific Instrumentation Technician

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 29 Sep 2022

  • Located at the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour
  • Full-time, twelve (12) month opportunity
  • Remuneration up to $93,316 per annum plus 17% super

About us

Southern Cross University is a young, dynamic and rising institution of excellence committed to transforming tomorrow . Our gamechanging new education model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes and quality of life.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, amazing and dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, C responsible for offs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.


About the opportunity

Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre is seeking an Airborne Scientific Instrumentation Technician to support the Cooling and Shading sub-program of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP).  With a primary focus on the development of interventions to reduce coral bleaching stress, the Instrumentation Technician will be responsible for assisting the research team  setup, maintain and operate a wide range of scientific instrumentation. The instrumentation in this research program is deployed on a variety of platforms including marine vessels, manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft (drones), and offshore structures (weather towers, research stations), and includes aircraft-based cloud microphysical sensors, meteorological and aerosol instrumentation and oceanographic spectrometers. Your core responsibilities will include:

  • Lead research technology development and improvements across all RRAP Cooling and Shading projects.
  • Coordinate instrumentation to support the researchers both in the field and in the laboratory environment.
  • Coordinate the installation, configuration, data quality control, datalogging, and display of the instrumentation payloads aboard the various measurement platforms.

About you

This opportunity requires high levels of technical knowledge and problem solving, coupled with the ability to meet strict deadlines. To be successful in this role you will call on your experience with instrument communication protocols and various methods of data logging and programming. Demonstrated experience with airborne science will be highly regarded. More specifically, you will have:

  • A degree in engineering, electronics or a related field.
  • Experience with state of the art atmospheric, aerosol and lidar instrumentation , as well as hyperspectral cameras.
  • Experience with instrument communication protocols and various methods of data logging and programming.
  • Demonstrated experience with airborne science is highly desirable, ideally using light aircraft, or alternatively integrating complex instrumentation on drones.

The University’s values are integrity and collegiality. Alignment with these values, along with the ability to actively contribute to the success of a team, are inherent requirements of the role.


Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is:

  • Full-time, fixed term (12 Months)
  • Located at Coffs Harbour.
  • HEW Level 6. The base salary ranges from $85,037 - $93,316 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $109,179 per annum.


Find out more about working at SCU by visiting
Why Work at SCU.


Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and provide responses to the selection criteria in the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website . If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected]  

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with unrestricted work rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


Further information

Additional information is available in the position description or by contacting:

Name: Ceylena Holloway, Scientific Project Officer

Phone: 0417650656

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 9:00am AEST, 29 September 2022

Southern Cross University is committed to diversity and social inclusion and aim to ensure equality in the recruitment of our staff. Applications are supported and encouraged from those that bring diversity to the University.


Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.

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