Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

Job no: 517484

Work type: Fixed term - Full-time

Campus: Adelaide

Categories: Level A, Level B, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Salary: Level A: $81,293 - $109,307 per annum; Level B: $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation.

Full‑time, fixed‑term position, available for 24 months.

Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (Level A/B) to take the lead in conducting fundamental and demand‑driven research on modelling and analysis of complex social networks.

This research focuses on modelling, analysis, and estimation of complex network models in the context of social influence (e.g., opinion dynamics or collective action) and the public information environment (e.g., social media and mis‑/disinformation).

In this project you will be expected to carry out project‑based research for 0.2–0.4 FTE (to be negotiated) at the direction of the Chief Investigators in multi‑disciplinary projects involving social psychology, behavioural sciences, and industry partners. The remainder of the time will be devoted to fundamental research and publishing findings. Topics for the fundamental research component are broad and flexible, can be proposed independently (with refinement in collaboration with supervisors), and are led by the successful candidate.

Methodologies expected include mathematical analysis, numerical simulations, computational and data science approaches, natural language processing, etc. Research outputs will target traditional domains (applied mathematics, data science, systems and control theory), multidisciplinary journals for a broad scientific audience, and discipline‑specific journals in other domains (e.g., cognitive science, psychology).

Please note, due to the funding source, candidates must be an Australian Citizen, a New Zealand Citizen, or hold Australian Permanent Residency. Eligibility to obtain a National Police Check is essential. Eligibility and willingness to apply for an Australian Security Clearance is highly desirable.

To be successful you will need:

Level A

- A PhD in applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, data science, physics, or a related area.

- Strong academic track record (including peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations) and ability to conduct independent research.

- Ability to carry out research in complex networks, dynamical systems, agent‑based modelling, social network analysis, data science, or related areas.

- Demonstrated ability to work under direction on specified demand‑driven problems.

- Effective communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

- Interest in application of research to Defence and Intelligence domains, and collaboration with industry.

- Familiarity with formal mathematical proofs and analytical methods, or numerical simulations, or data integration, or natural language processing.

Level B

- A PhD in applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, data science, physics, or a related area.

- Outstanding academic track record (including peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations) and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.

- Demonstrated ability to carry out research in complex networks, dynamical systems, agent‑based modelling, social network analysis, data science.

- Demonstrated ability to work under direction, as a member of a multidisciplinary research team, on specified demand‑driven problems.

- Effective communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to audiences of different technical and non‑technical backgrounds.

- Experience in application of research to Defence and Intelligence domains, and collaboration with industry.

- Experience in formal mathematical proofs and analytical methods, numerical simulations, data integration, natural language processing.

- Interest in understanding and contributing to literature in sociology, psychology, behavioural and cognitive sciences.

Other Information

Applications close: 21 November 2025 11:55 PM.

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

For further information contact Dr. Mengbin (Ben) Ye, Senior Lecturer/ARC DECRA Fellow, Email: ben.ye@adelaide.edu.au.

We are 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 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 the time of application.

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