The Opportunity
The School of Computer Science and Engineering is offering an opportunity for a Research Associate. In this role, you will conduct both independent and collaborative research as part of a defence funded project focused on developing robust multimodal foundational models for continual situational understanding. Specifically, the role will focus on developing adversarial models and attacks to evaluate the robustness and security of the model, as well as proposing effective defence methodologies.
This position offers the opportunity to advance your scholarly research and professional activities on both national and international levels. You will contribute to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participate in conferences and workshops, supervise HDR students, and actively collaborate with industry partners.
This role reports to Professor Flora Salim and has no direct reports.
- Salary, Level A - AUD$113,911 to $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
- Full time
- Fixed-term contract – 3 years starting in January 2026
- Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
- Due to project timelines to be considered for this role, candidates must have working rights for Australia
About UNSW
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
The School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of computing in Australia. It offers undergraduate programmes in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Bioinformatics, as well as a number of combined degrees with other disciplines. Our research and teaching staff are world leading and world building as they advance knowledge and learning. For more information on our school go to the following link - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/computer-science-and-engineering
Skills and Experience
- PhD (or soon to be awarded) in computer science, electrical engineering or related area with demonstrated experience in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
- Experience in researching on adversarial AI attacks and defence strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
- Demonstrated track record of publications in top-rated journals and conferences in the discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, external clients and students.
- Ability to supervise undergraduate students or equivalent experience in the supervision of junior staff in related projects.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
To Apply:
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.
Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact:
Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 14 December 2025
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.
