Research Associate/Senior Research Associate (Formal Methods)
Position at UNSW in Kensington – Sydney, Australia. Fixed-term contract – 2 years. Full time. Salary ranges: Level A: AUD $110,059 to $117,718 per annum + 17% superannuation; Level B: AUD $127,947 per annum + 17% superannuation.
About the Opportunity
Theworthy Systems (TS) Research Group, based within the School of Computer Science and Engineering, conducts world‑leading research on software systems whose trustworthiness can be mathematically proven. The group offers an opportunity for a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to contribute to a range of research activities, including the development of proof techniques for systems software and their application to the verification of real‑world software systems.
The Senior Research Associate will report to Scientia Professor Gernot Heiser and has no direct reports.
Responsibilities
* Develop proof techniques for systems software and apply them to verification of real‑world software systems.
* Contribute to the group’s PISTIs‑V project: connecting correctness proofs of usermode components to the seL4 specification, compositional reasoning for system‑level properties, formalising security policies and their enforcement, and developing reasoning frameworks for timeliness in mixed‑criticality systems.
* Assist in the supervision of research students and actively engage with industry partners.
Qualifications
* PhD in computer science or a related discipline with on formal methods, completed or close to completion.
* Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq or similar, or experience with proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers.
* Experience with formalisation of and formal reasoning about security properties and models is highly desirable.
* Familiarity with current research in formal methods, especially applied to program verification.
* Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
* Demonstrated track record of publications in formal methods.
* Strong track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
* Ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
* Strong interpersonal skills, ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
* Demonstrated ability to supervise honours and postgraduate research students (Senior Research Associate).
Application
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. System will automatically address the listed skills and experience. Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 18 January 2026.
EEO Statement
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.
Contact
Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
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