Postdoctoral Research Fellow (B/C) -Innovation

Updated: about 6 hours ago
Location: Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 30 Apr 2024

Job no:512666
Work type:Fixed term - Full-time
Campus:Adelaide
Categories:Level C, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology


Level B at $107,276 to $126,894 per annum or Level C at $130,810 to $150,431 per annum, plus an employer contribution of up to 17% superannuation applies.

There are multiple fixed-term positions available for up to 22 months (subject to project end-date). Flexible work arrangements can be negotiated with the right candidate.

Be part of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning – the largest computer vision and machine learning research group in Australia – and contribute to world-leading research projects at the Centre for Augmented Reasoning.

This postdoctoral research position lies within the Centre for Augmented Reasoning (CAR), that forms part of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML). It offers the opportunity to carry out research within a world-class team working at the intersection of computer vision and natural language processing. The appointed candidate/s will be working directly with CAR Director, Prof Anton van den Hengel and his research team to publish and commercialise research outputs. The candidate will need to demonstrate agility in managing and leading multiple projects and work independently in this ever-changing and fast-paced sector. The position is funded by CAR’s Innovation Fund, a $3.5 million allocation to enable machine learning investments in collaboration opportunities, strategic development of programs, commercialisation.

The tasks of the postdoctoral researcher (innovation) will include:

  • To work closely with CAR director and researchers to scope and develop research ideas.
  • To develop algorithms, machine learning models, Python modules, demonstrators and training pipelines for publication and translation into commercial products that can be widely and reliably adopted.
  • Following design standards and principles, to determine the specification, design and benchmarking/testing of software, components, interfaces, and related characteristics.
  • To develop and iterate prototypes that provide solutions for end-users.
  • To establish and maintain stakeholder relationships through effective communication, negotiation and issues management to engage stakeholders and ensure project deliverables are met.

Outputs will include:

  • Project scoping and problem analysis reports.
  • Research publications in high-quality journals and conferences.
  • Technology Readiness Level 2 practical applications through to Level 4 testing and validation.


This exciting role will contribute to the Centre for Augmented Reasoning’s objective to build world-class research and engineering capability in machine learning while demonstrating the potential and impact of this knowledge for industries in Australia.

To be successful you will need:

1.   A completed or nearly completed PhD in either computer science, computer/software engineering, electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical/mechatronic engineering, or in a related discipline.

2.   Engineering experience in the translation of machine learning, or related research, into an applied or client context.

3.   Programming experience and expertise in Python or languages such as Linux OS, C++, .NET, and Java, and one or more relevant deep learning libraries and ML platforms such as PyTorch or Tensorflow, Scikit learn, or CARET, including a track record of effective deployment of these within artificial intelligence or machine learning projects or client problems.

Desirable characteristics:

  • A minimum of two years industry or start-up experience and demonstrable expert knowledge delivering working software and integrated software/hardware solutions, preferably in the Agile software development methodology.
  • Experience in large data sets and their platforms/tools, cloud-based architectures, and deployment frameworks for machine learning algorithms.
  • Industry experience in Deep Learning techniques and solutions used in commercial software development.
  • In addition to the above, to be successful at Level C you will also need:

    1.   A completed PhD in in either computer science, computer/software engineering, electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical/mechatronic engineering, or in a related discipline.       

    2.   A minimum of two years post-doctoral research experience, whether in academia or industry, including leadership experience.

    3.   A track record of publications in machine learning, computer vision, artificial intelligence and/or robotics conferences and/or journals, commensurate with experience and opportunity.


    Preference will be given to Australian citizens or permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.

    Enjoy an outstanding career environment

    AIML is Australia’s leading research institute in machine learning and artificial intelligence. AIML’s computer vision research is among the best in the world. With world-leading researchers, modern facilities and an innovative culture, we’re committed to delivering research that is highly valued by our local and global communities. Located at Lot Fourteen, Adelaide, AIML is the largest computer vision and machine learning group in Australia with more than 170 members including academics, research staff, and students. The institute works on a mixture of fundamental and commercially oriented research projects in computer vision and machine learning. Find out more at www.adelaide.edu.au/aiml

    The Centre for Augmented Reasoning (CAR) is a $20M investment by the (then) Department of Education, Skills and Employment in people and research to make computers better at interacting with humans so that all technology is easier and safer to use. Managed under AIML, the Centre is supporting Advanced Reasoning research through grants and PhD scholarships, facilitating innovation and rapid commercialisation, and increasing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and engagement in Australia.

    The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

    It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work’s cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

    Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

    We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

    In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

    Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

    Your faculty’s broader role

    As a member of Australia’s G08, the University of Adelaide is recognised as one of the nation’s most respected research-intensive universities, challenging and inspiring graduates to make a real difference. The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) holds an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and quality graduates. Comprised of eight schools, 21 centres and five institutes, the Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching over 8,500 students across our three campuses, North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy, and has an annual budget of $300 million. The faculty is a significant contributor to the University’s research reputation, earning annual research revenue above $120 million. Many of our research areas have achieved a world-class research rating of 5 in the 2018 ERA rankings. The faculty is responsible for teaching and research across wide range of disciplines including Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Architecture, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Agriculture, Food and Wine and Animal and Veterinary Science. The Faculty of SET is an innovative and agile working environment that champions excellence, diversity and inclusion in our teaching, research, and global engagement leadership.

    Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

    If you have the talent, we’ll give you the opportunity. Together, let’s make history.

    Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

    Applications close 11:55pm (South Australia time), Tuesday 30th April 2024.

    For further information

    For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

    Dr Nisha Schwarz

    Program Manager, Centre for Augmented Reasoning

    E: [email protected]

    The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

    The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

    #LI-UOA

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