The Opportunity
The School of Computer Science and Engineering has an opportunity for a Research Associate to join a cutting‑edge research program at the forefront of machine learning and agentic AI for sustainability. Embedded within the ARC Training Centre for Whole Life Design of Carbon Neutral Infrastructure (dfCO2), this role contributes to Program 4: Machine Learning for Carbon Performance (https://dfco2.org.au/program_4) that aims to advance the next‑generation AI methods to model, benchmark, and optimise carbon performance across infrastructure systems. This is an exciting chance to work with leading researchers, develop high‑impact AI innovations, and contribute to Australia’s transition toward a net‑zero future.
This position offers the opportunity to advance your scholarly research and professional activities on both national and international levels. You will contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participate in conferences and workshops, supervise HDR students, and actively collaborate with industry partners.
This role reports to Professor Flora Salim and has no direct reports.
* Salary, Level A - AUD$113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
* Full time
* Fixed‑term contract – 1.5 years
* Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
* Due to project timelines to be considered for this role, candidates must have working rights for Australia
About UNSW
UNSW is a world‑leading institution recognised for its scale, prestige, and impact. With strong industry engagement and partnerships across sectors, UNSW provides a unique environment where academic expertise translates into real‑world outcomes. The university is home to cutting‑edge research that drives innovation and societal progress, while its excellence in teaching ensures students are prepared to lead in their fields. For academics, UNSW offers an outstanding platform to flourish — combining world‑class facilities, collaborative networks, and a culture of innovation that supports both career growth and meaningful contributions to the wider community.
The School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of computing in Australia. It offers undergraduate programmes in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Bioinformatics, and a number of combined degrees with other disciplines. Our research and teaching staff are world‑leading and world‑building as they advance knowledge and learning. For more information on our school go to the following link – https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/computer-science-and-engineering
Skills And Experience
* A PhD (or soon to be awarded) in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience
* Demonstrated track record in research, evidenced by publications in top‑tier AI and ML conferences, such as NeurIPS, AAAI, IJCAI, ICLR, ICML, CVPR, ACL, EMNLP, KDD, Web Conference, with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership
* Strong track record in machine learning, deep learning, and fine‑tuning/post‑tuning language models
* Experience in developing comprehensive benchmarks and datasets
* Strong skills in data visualisation
* Robust coding and software engineering skills
* Strong interest in research impact towards sustainability and net zero
* Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments
* Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision
* Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity
* Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships
* Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills
* Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students
* An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines
* Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
To Apply
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.
Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact
For role‑specific inquiries, please contact Prof Flora Salim (Program Lead) – E: flora.salim@unsw.edu.au
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner) – E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 27 April 2026
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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