Research Associate

UNSW Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Location: Sydney, Australia

About the Role

The Research Associate / Senior Research Associate (Level A/B) position is available to take a leading role in developing an artificial intelligence-based foundation model tool-box that utilizes a wide range of historical, global and regional weather and climate data. A general purpose tool-box, initially tested on climate risks to agriculture across the Asia-Pacific region will be developed with opportunities to explore other types of impacts associated with climate change.

The successful applicant will join a team including Professors Andy Pitman and Scott Sisson, along with Dr Anna Ukkola, Elizabeth Vogel, Sanaa Hobeichi and Doug Richardson.

Special Requirements — You MUST be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand Special Category Visa holder to apply for this role.

Role Details

• Level A – ($113k - $121k) - Level B – ($127k - $150k) plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 3 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Professor Andy Pitman and has no direct reports.

Specific Responsibilities – LEVEL A

• Contribute strongly to the technical development of an artificial intelligence-based foundation model toolbox, including appropriate 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 the limits of the project; the appointee will be supported to develop independent research proposals under the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Support PhD students working on the project, under the mentorship of senior colleagues.
• Be willing to travel to Canberra to contribute to an annual workshop
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

Specific Responsibilities – LEVEL B

• Lead the technical development of an artificial intelligence-based foundation model tool-box, including appropriate data wrangling, code development, evaluation and application.
• Co-lead the intellectual evolution of the Foundation Model by establishing strong international links with appropriate groups.
• Mentor and guide PhD students working on the project, supported by senior colleagues.

Selection Criteria – Level A

• A PhD in a related discipline, most likely Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science. This may include weather or climate science if technical skills are very well developed.
• Key skills likely required include advanced Python or C++ with experience in developing and fine-tuning foundation models for modelling tasks, including use of HPC systems and multi-GPU programming.
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art AI models and architectures, ideally (but not essential) applied to weather and climate, and a track record of collaborative coding and code sharing (e.g. GitHub).
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• A track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW's aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Selection Criteria – LEVEL B

• Likely several years of relevant experience post the completion of a PhD. This could include experience in research, or in industry.
• Experience of Foundation models, including their development and/or evaluation.
• Evidence of the capacity to drive knowledge development in Foundation models.
• Evidence of leadership capacity, or strong evidence that this can be developed

Please apply online — applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact: Andy Pitman

E: a.pitman@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: October 8th, 2025

Find Out More About Working At UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. 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.