Apply for the Research Associate role at UNSW.
Position location: Australia.
About UNSW
* One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
* Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
* Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
About The Role
* Salary: $113K – $121K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
* Contract: Fixed Term – 10 months
* Hours: Part time (35 hours per week)
The role of Research Associate reports to Associate Professor Fatemeh Vafaee and has no direct reports.
Specific Responsibilities
* Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research to enhance the quality of research outcomes.
* Collaborate in multidisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, medicine, and computational science.
* Foster innovation by developing novel approaches and leading research initiatives.
* Conduct research and/or enable research teams to create scholarly outputs recognised by peers.
* Undertake specific research projects under guidance of a research leader and contribute to research activities.
* Support dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
* Undertake discipline‑appropriate research activities: literature reviews, data collection, development and validation of methodologies, analysis, result generation, leading to high‑quality reporting and manuscript preparation.
* Participate in and/or present at conferences and workshops relevant to the project.
* Assist with supervision of research students where required.
* Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
* Cooperate with all health and safety policies & procedures of the university and take reasonable care to ensure no impact on health and safety of self or others.
Candidate Profile (Selection Criteria)
* A PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, or equivalent research/professional experience.
* Demonstrated experience in analysis and interpretation of omics datasets, with strong expertise in AI & machine learning methodologies.
* Proven experience in analysis of single‑cell & multi‑omics data and solid understanding of biological principles.
* Proficiency in implementation & optimisation of modern AI models (e.g., BERT, GNN, VAE, GANs, GPT, LLMs).
* Hands‑on experience with NGS bioinformatics pipelines and associated analytical workflows.
* Committed to keeping up‑to‑date with discipline knowledge & developments.
* Ability to undertake high‑quality academic research independently with limited supervision.
* Track record of publications and conference presentations.
* Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.
* Highly developed interpersonal skills.
* Communication & interaction skills with diverse stakeholders and students.
* Understanding of UNSW’s aims, objectives & values and commitment to related policies.
* Knowledge of health & safety responsibilities and intent to attend relevant training.
You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.
Contact
Fatemeh Vafaee
E: f.vafaee@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: December 8, 2025
UNSW is an equal opportunity employer. UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW ensures equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff, and no‑one is disadvantaged on the basis of gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.
UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on flexible work, leave options, and support for carers.
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