Postdoctoral Research Fellow (A) (with PhD)

(Level A) $78,544 - $105,611 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation

Fixed term position for 2 years with the possibility of extension as the project advances and full-time employment with industry partner.

We are seeking a motivated individual to work on an exciting Trailblazer Project in multi-agent decision making in contested and dynamic environments, involving extensively applied work at the intersection of decision making and machine learning, with real-world testing and feedback. The successful applicant will work on ideas in decision making supported by multi-agent reinforcement learning and other related approaches, as applied to distributed protection, under the direction of A/Prof Claudia Szabo in the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Adelaide. The applicant will work with our partners Praetorian Aeronautics and their testing team to field test emerging AI agent-based technology and push forward projects of national significance. The applicant will learn first-hand about the current state of drone combat and will have a meaningful impact on the future direction of protection mechanisms from hostile drones. The applicant will work with other researchers and engineers in A/Prof Szabo’s team who share broad goals in decision making in contested and dynamic environments, multi-agent reinforcement learning, and secure and robust machine learning solutions.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team with a hands-on approach to experimentation allied to strong theoretical underpinnings. A relevant first degree in computer science, engineering or related discipline is essential. The candidate will have a PhD in Computer Science or Machine Learning (or be able to demonstrate equivalent research experience) and possess a deep and demonstrable knowledge of these fields.  They must be a strong team player, and be able to communicate and work with the investigators and industrial partners. They will have a track record of publications in those fields commensurate with experience and opportunity. They will ideally have some experience of using open-source RL packages and a track record of delivery on project-based work.

To be successful at Level A you will need:

• Have or be about to complete a PhD (or equivalent qualification) or have equivalent industrial experience in computer science or (applied) machine learning, decision making, and other closely related area.
• Publication record commensurate with experience and opportunity.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in reinforcement learning and other machine learning techniques used for decision making
• Expertise and experience in computer programming, especially in Python and C++
• Be an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and ability to contribute to the diversity of the School community

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-calibre 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

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 close 11:55pm, Wednesday 12 February 2025

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Claudia Szabo
Associate Professor, School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences
P: +61 (8) 831 36744
E: claudia.szabo@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply.