Overview
Research Associate / Senior Research Associate (Climate) at UNSW. Location: Sydney, Australia. Fixed term – 3 years, full-time (35 hours per week). Level A salary: $113k–$121k; Level B salary: $127k–$150k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading.
About the Role
The position leads development of an artificial intelligence-based foundation model toolbox that utilizes historical, global and regional weather and climate data. The toolbox will be a general purpose tool, initially tested on climate risks to agriculture across the Asia-Pacific region, with opportunities to explore other climate-related impacts. The successful applicant will join a team including Professors Andy Pitman and Scott Sisson, and Dr Anna Ukkola, Elizabeth Vogel, Sanaa Hobeichi and Doug Richardson. This role reports to Professor Andy Pitman and has no direct reports.
Responsibilities
LEVEL A
* Contribute to the technical development of an AI-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 bounds; opportunities to develop independent research proposals with guidance from senior colleagues.
* Support PhD students working on the project under mentorship.
* Be willing to travel to Canberra for an annual workshop.
* Demonstrate alignment with the Code of Conduct and Values and comply 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 responsibilities).
* Co-lead the intellectual evolution of the Foundation Model by establishing strong international links with appropriate groups.
* Mentor PhD students working on the project with support from senior colleagues.
Selection Criteria / Qualifications
LEVEL A
* A PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; weather or climate science allowed if technical skills are very strong.
* Advanced Python or C++ skills with experience in developing and fine-tuning foundation models for modelling tasks, including 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).
* Commitment to keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
* Record of high-quality research outputs with potential for leadership in research excellence.
* Strong communication skills and ability to network with students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
* Demonstrated teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
* Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; alignment with UNSW aims, values, and policies; awareness of health and safety responsibilities.
LEVEL B
* Several years of relevant experience post-PhD in research or industry settings.
* Experience with Foundation models, including development and/or evaluation; capacity to drive knowledge development in Foundation models.
* Demonstrated leadership capacity or potential to develop.
Application Details
Applications must be submitted online. Address the selection criteria in your application. The role is Sydney-based, Australia. Applications close: October 8, 2025. Contact: Andy Pitman (a.pitman@unsw.edu.au).
UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. The University 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr