Overview
Join to apply for the Research Associate - Senior Research Associate - Climate role at UNSW.
Location: Sydney, Australia.
The Research Associate / Senior Research Associate (Level A/B) position is available to take a leading role in developing an artificial intelligence-based foundation model toolbox that utilizes a wide range of historical, global and regional weather and climate data. A general purpose toolbox, initially tested on climate risks to agriculture across the Asia-Pacific region, will be developed with opportunities to explore other types of impacts associated with climate change.
The successful applicant will join a team including Professors Andy Pitman and Scott Sisson, along with Dr Anna Ukkola, Elizabeth Vogel, Sanaa Hobeichi and Doug Richardson.
Important Eligibility
You MUST be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand Special Category Visa holder to apply for this role.
Role Details
* Level A – ($113k - $121k) + 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
* Level B – ($127k - $150k) + 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
* Fixed Term – 3 years
* Full-time (35 hours per week)
The role reports to Professor Andy Pitman and has no direct reports.
Responsibilities
LEVEL A
* Contribute to the technical development of an artificial intelligence-based foundation model toolbox, including data wrangling, code development, evaluation and application.
* Engage in collaborative research with the existing team, leading key components at an internationally competitive level.
* Lead and contribute to significant international publications.
* Establish a personal research portfolio within project guidelines; be supported to develop independent research proposals under the guidance of senior colleagues.
* Support PhD students working on the project, under mentorship of senior colleagues.
* Be willing to travel to Canberra for an annual workshop.
* Align with and demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values; cooperate with health and safety policies.
LEVEL B
* Lead the technical development of the AI-based toolbox, including data wrangling, code development, evaluation and application (in addition to Level A duties).
* Co-lead the intellectual evolution of the Foundation Model by establishing strong international links with appropriate groups.
* Mentor and guide PhD students working on the project, supported by senior colleagues.
Selection Criteria / About the Successful Applicant
Level A
* A PhD in a related discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science; weather/climate science considered if technical skills are strong).
* Advanced Python or C++ skills with experience in developing and fine-tuning foundation models for modelling tasks, including use of HPC and multi-GPU programming.
* Knowledge of state-of-the-art AI models and architectures, ideally applied to weather and climate; track record of collaborative coding and code sharing (e.g., GitHub).
* Proven commitment to staying up to date with discipline developments; track record of high-quality research outputs and potential for leadership.
* Strong communication skills and ability to network with a diverse range of students and staff; demonstrated teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
* Understanding of UNSW aims, objectives and values; knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.
Level B
* Several years of relevant experience post-PhD (research or industry).
* Experience with Foundation models, including development and/or evaluation; ability to drive knowledge development in Foundation models.
* Demonstrated leadership capacity or potential to develop.
Application Instructions
Please apply online. Applications sent to other contacts will not be accepted.
Contact
Andy Pitman
E: a.pitman@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: October 8, 2025
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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