The ACFR is one of the largest robotics research institutes in the world, with over 100 members including faculty, research fellows, technical staff, and postgraduate students. The ACFR performs fundamental research on perception, control, modelling, learning and systems engineering and has strong industry and scientific collaborations in sectors including mining, commercial aviation, agriculture, defence, intelligent vehicles, and underwater mapping and exploration.
To learn more about the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR), click here.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who is technically adept – comfortable working with hardware, software, and integrated systems – and eager to operate within a broad, interdisciplinary environment. This multi-year project aims to modernise smallholder farming in Cambodia by integrating electrified and “smart” capabilities into two-wheel tractors, and incorporating sensors and controls for precision agriculture. The position blends technical development with the strategic coordination of multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, local universities, NGOs, and experts in economics, policy, gender studies, and agricultural systems.
While your primary focus will be on technical aspects – such as electrification strategies, sensor integration, and control systems – you will also collaborate closely with experts across the University, including the Faculties of Agriculture, Social Sciences, and Economics, who contribute critical agronomic, socioeconomic, and policy insights. Additionally, you’ll engage with government and academic partners in Cambodia, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the project.
Your role is to ensure that technology development is guided by insights from other domains. This involves leading the technology design and development alongside other engineers in the group, as well as spearheading the engagement process. You will foster effective communication across disciplines, incorporate feedback into design decisions, and drive the adoption of innovative solutions that address community needs.
This is an exceptional opportunity to deepen your technical expertise while growing professionally as a coordinator, integrator, and innovator in a setting that requires both ingenuity and cultural awareness.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- develop, refine, and test electrified and “smart” enhancements to two-wheel tractors, integrating sensors, software, and control systems that advance local farming practices for precision agriculture
- work alongside specialists in economics, policy, gender studies, and agriculture, ensuring that your technical solutions align with broader social, environmental, and market considerations
- regularly connect with local engineers, technicians, farmers, and NGOs, adapting solutions based on their input, facilitating training, and supporting the effective adoption of new technologies
- contribute to strategic project planning, manage timelines, and maintain transparent communication channels, bridging technical developments with stakeholder priorities
- supervise student projects, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at conferences, illustrating how people-centred design and technology integration can drive sustainable agricultural transformation.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values. We are seeking an excellent candidate for a Postdoctoral Researcher who has:
- a PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, mechatronic engineering, computer science, applied sciences, agriculture technology, agriculture engineering, human-centred design)
- demonstrated capacity to work across hardware/software boundaries in applied contexts
- strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling meaningful engagement with researchers and community members from diverse backgrounds
- a genuine interest in sustainable development, and in integrating technical solutions with socio-economic and policy frameworks
The following criteria are highly desirable (or have a demonstratable strong interest):
- experience in resource-limited or developing regions
- familiarity with agricultural technologies, precision agriculture, or field-based deployments
- ability to navigate complex, multi-partner projects, adapting to evolving needs and challenges.
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EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
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For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.
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Applications CloseSaturday 01 February 2025 11:59 PM