Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Data Science for Smart Horticulture

Job Description

• Full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years.
• Based at Hawkesbury Campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: Academic Level A $97,153 – $117,376 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Create reproducible data pipelines and models that improve forecasting in controlled environments.

The Opportunity

You will conduct data science and modelling research within the Industrial Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture (SaSH), focused on improving productivity and profitability of horticultural enterprises in protected settings. You will integrate across SaSH research and training programs to support crop performance in high- and medium-tech growth facilities, with an emphasis on tomato and snacking capsicums.

You will design experiments and data acquisition approaches that maximise statistical power, interpretability and modelling value. Working with researchers across disciplines, you will align sampling protocols, metadata standards and measurement schedules, and build scalable workflows to integrate heterogeneous datasets such as imaging, sensors, environmental variables and operational data where relevant. You will develop and validate advanced modelling approaches, including statistical learning, mechanistic modelling, hybrid physics-informed machine learning, and stochastic modelling to represent biological variability and uncertainty.

You will translate research outcomes into reusable tools such as reproducible pipelines, code repositories, dashboards and model interfaces, and support best-practice adoption with industry partners. You will contribute to manuscripts and reports, present findings to scientific and industry audiences, and mentor students and junior researchers in data science methods and reproducible research workflows.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver validated predictive and explanatory models for crop growth, stress, yield and quality.
• Produce scalable data integration workflows that enable cross-program inference and discovery.
• Deliver publications, reports and presentations aligned to project milestones and stakeholder needs.
• Provide reusable, reproducible tools that support adoption by research and industry partners.
• Maintain high standards in research data management, documentation and secure handling of datasets.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You hold a PhD in a relevant quantitative discipline, or bring equivalent qualifications or research experience.
• You have demonstrated experience in advanced data science and statistical modelling of complex datasets.
• You bring expertise in dynamic systems modelling, including mechanistic and/or stochastic approaches.
• You have strong programming skills in Python and experience working with scientific computing and reproducible workflows.
• You’re a clear communicator with strong organisational skills, and you’re comfortable working across disciplines and managing competing deadlines.

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 Oula Ghannoum via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1452K.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 19 July 2026.
• Visa Sponsorship: Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.
• 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.