Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

• Full time, 1-year fixed term position with possibility of extension

• Be part of the development of novel quantum magnetometer-based navigation tools for autonomous marine systems

• Base Salary $117,936 - $137,500 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) is one of Australia’s leading robotics research groups and undertakes fundamental and applied research in the area of field robotics. Our marine systems group is focused on the development of autonomous marine vehicle systems for marine survey.  We also explore tools for the visualisation, clustering and classification of extensive marine-based image archives,
characterisation of change in multi-year surveys and adaptive mission planning for multi-vehicle systems. We undertake marine surveys using robotic systems at sites around Australia and overseas in collaboration with a range of partners.
 

In partnership with University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Swinburne University, the University of Tasmania and Phasor Quantum and Quantum Brilliance, we have secured funding through an Australian Defence Sciences and Universities Network (ADSUN) and Defence Innovation Network (DIN) project to conduct underwater trial using a sovereign quantum vector magnetometer.  The objective of the project is to use the gathered survey data to explore advanced platform compensation techniques, map matching and magnetic navigation solutions. This project aims to investigate the advantages of multi-sensor fusion (inertial, acoustic, visual, and magnetic) for underwater sensing and long-range navigation for autonomous underwater vehicles.  We will explore advanced non-parametric mapping techniques based on our prior work in the area of Gaussian Process based Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) and recent advances in non-parametric, 3D environment modelling. We will assess the utility of these tools for map-building using magnetometer data as well as exploring the potential for existing geospatial maps to enable long range, covert and autonomous navigation in underwater environments.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow interested in leading the development of these tools using a combination of simulation and real-world data collected by an AUV.  The successful candidate will work closely with our project partners in assessing their utility using data collected by an AUV system and providing advice on future long autonomous navigation techniques.

About you

• a PhD in a relevant field or near completion

• extensive knowledge of robotic navigation, machine learning or other relevant fields

• experience working with marine robotic systems or the data they collect, including inertial, acoustic, visual and magnetometer data

• field experience deploying underwater or other advanced robotic systems are desirable

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Liam Newson or Nicole Feain, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

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Applications Close

Monday 31 August 2026 11:59 PM