Research Fellow (B) (with PhD) - (Defence Trailblazer)

(Level B) $114,031 to $131,335 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Full Time Position Available | 24 Months Fixed Term

Be part of a world class, outcome-based research center within a ‘Group of Eight’ University!

The Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability is a $250 million enterprise powered by UoA and UNSW, with funding from the Australian Government through the Trailblazer Universities Program, as well as university and industry partners. Our mission is to accelerate the commercialisation of research for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), develop education training pathways, fast-track entrepreneurs' ideas to commercialisation, and enhance collaboration between industry, government, and academia.

The Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) at the University of Adelaide is the largest computer vision and machine learning research group in Australia with over 200 members including academics, research staff and students. The AIML works on a mixture of fundamental and commercially orientated research projects in computer vision and machine learning.

QuantX Labs are at the forefront of quantum technology innovation, developing and delivering precision solutions that transform communication, navigation, computing, and defence systems. Our state-of-the-art production and testing facility in Adelaide, South Australia delivers unique industrial capabilities that currently support Australia’s Defence and Space programs.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Postdoctoral Research Fellow B to undertake research in the field of physics-informed neural networks for magnetic sensing. 

This project combines the strengths of industry and academia to leverage the world class developments in quantum sensing to meet emerging threats to Australia’s National Security. Magnetic sensing represents a new frontier in surveillance and reconnaissance for Defence in underwater and littoral environments. However, the challenge is to discriminate the magnetic signature from a threat in a complex magnetic environment that can be dominated by platform and geomagnetic noise. The objective of this project is to explore how Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) could enhance the detection, classification, and interpretation of weak and noisy signals in complex environments.

Reporting to Dr Hemanth Saratchandran, AIML, the Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to carry out independent and/or team research within the field in which they are appointed and to carry out activities to develop their research expertise relevant to their particular field of research. This position is funded by the ASIC Defence Trailblazer Grant.

 To be successful you will need:

• A PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or other Machine Learning-related field.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, C++ or other relevant language and experience in deep neural networks.
• Experience and demonstratable knowledge in deep learning, transformer networks, and implicit neural functions. Strong math skills in matrix calculus, and the foundational aspects of modern deep learning.
• An outstanding publication record in top tier machine learning and/or computer vision conferences or journals, commensurate with experience and opportunity.
• A strong work ethic, and the ability to work well independently, and as a member of a broader team, including with industrial partners
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with an ability to communicate scientific ideas to an expert audience.
•  To be either an Australian citizen holding or eligible to apply and maintain a Commonwealth of Australia NV1 security clearance, or a Canadian, USA, UK or NZ citizen with an equivalent security clearance from country of citizenship.
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-caliber people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge, and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

Your department’s role

The AIML is the largest University-based computer vision and machine learning research group in Australia. Based in Adelaide, it currently number more than 200 members including academics, research staff, engineers and students.  The group works on a variety of fundamental and commercially oriented research projects in computer vision and machine learning and has a very strong track record of publications in the top venues, and of successful technology transfer.

Learn more at: www.aiml.com.au

 If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, immediate applications and discussions are welcomed.

Applications close 11:55pm, Tuesday 24 June 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if suitable candidates are identified.

For further information

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this role, please contact:

Dr Hemanth Saratchandran
Senior Research Fellow, Australian Institute for Machine Learning

E: hemanth.saratchandran@adelaide.edu.au

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.