Senior Research Officer, AI as Infrastructure

Classification: ANU Officer 7 (Research)
Salary package: $97,707 to $102,600 per annum plus 17% superannuation (Pro rata)
Terms: Part time, Continuing (Contingent Funded) (Up to 2.5 years) 

• Work at the forefront of digital HASS research, crafting a cutting-edge framework to evaluate next-generation AI research tools.
• Acquire hands-on experience in digital HASS and research software engineering (RSE).
• Explore diverse commercial and open-source AI platforms and play a pivotal role in shaping a prototype AI tool dedicated to advancing historical research.
• Benefit from introductory training designed to equip you with foundational skills in prompt engineering and software testing.
• Part-time position of 17.5 hours per week

Position overview

The Senior Research Officer, AI as Infrastructure (AIINFRA) will join an interdisciplinary team led by the Lead Investigator and Co-Investigator, alongside a dedicated research software engineering team and partners from the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This unique role will be central to the development of a pioneering test framework designed to evaluate the impact of AI tools and platforms, particularly those based on Large Language Models (LLMs), in facilitating transnational historical research. The role entails a blend of horizon scanning for cutting-edge platforms and tools, rigorous testing, and contribution to the design and development of a bespoke open-source prototype. Our aim is to unravel and harness the potential of next-generation AI technologies to enrich historical research, creating a framework that ensures these innovations are of high quality and closely aligned to the values of Humanities and Social Science (HASS).

We are seeking candidates who are naturally curious about the intersection of digital technologies and HASS, regardless of their technical background. No programming or software engineering experience is necessary, but a keen interest in digital HASS and/or digital history is crucial. We welcome applications from a diverse range of HASS research backgrounds, as well as those from computer science, data science, and software engineering with a passion for HASS disciplines. The project's focus on analysing Hansard documents from the pivotal year of 1901 across Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the United Kingdom offers a rich canvas for applicants interested in history, political science, historical sociology, and policy development. A significant emphasis will also be placed on Indigenous Digital HASS, and we highly encourage applicants with experience or a strong commitment to this important domain. Comprehensive training in introductory software testing and prompt engineering will be provided to equip you with the necessary skills. While the position is based in Canberra, we are open to remote working arrangements for the right candidate.

College overview

The ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) is one of seven Colleges at ANU. The College, which is structured into two main research schools, offers degrees in more than 20 discipline areas and excels in research across the creative arts, humanities and social sciences. The College has a substantial international research presence and is a major source of national policy advice. Our academic staff are internationally recognised for their research, and 57 are members of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, the Academy of the Social Sciences of Australia, or both. We also host 13 Australian Research Council Future Fellows and three ARC Laureates. A hub of vibrant activity, we host more than 270 lectures, concerts and exhibitions each year, most of which are open to the public. Our students, staff and graduates come from more than 60 nations, bringing a diversity of perspective to campus life.

For further information please contact, Professor James Smithies at E: [email protected]

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on [email protected]

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.