Research Associate - Data Analytics and Decision Making
Employment type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: Fixed term contract, 12 months
Remuneration: Level A, Step 6 from $113,911 plus 17% super
Location: Canberra, ACT OR Sydney, NSW
About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the University's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 50 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
The Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability is a $250 million enterprise powered by UNSW and UoA, with funding from the Australian Government through the Trailblazer Universities Program, as well as university and industry partners. Our mission is to accelerate the commercialisation of research for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), develop education training pathways, fast-track entrepreneurs' ideas to commercialisation, and enhance collaboration between Industry, government, and academia.
Why Your Role Matters:
You will join a high-performing interdisciplinary research group, the Decision Support & Analytics Research Group (DSARG), with clear aims to bring innovations at the interface of artificial intelligence and production scheduling and predictive maintenance. You will work with the School of Systems & Computing, a hub of experts on AI, Cyber and Systems Engineers. The
About the Project and the Role:
Ocius Technology and UNSW Canberra are partnered on a project to increase the rapid scaling of production of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). Supported by funding from Defence Trailblazer, the project is developing an integrated production and maintenance facility, along with an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered logistics support framework, led by Dr. Ripon K. Chakrabortty, Founder & Leader of DSARG, School of Systems & Computing, UNSW Canberra.
The Ocius Bluebottle USV fleet is powered by renewable energy, utilizing solar, wind, and wave power, or a combination of energy sources, and offers economic and operational advantages over conventional methods. Ocius is a key supplier to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and this collaborative project will directly support Australia’s security by scaling production and supporting a capable and resilient sovereign supply chain.
Under the direction of the project’s UNSW lead, the Research Associate will be involved in conducting the technical tasks of the project, primarily related to flexible workspace layout design and AI-based predictive maintenance models.
Who You Are :
Our ideal candidate will have
- A PhD in Data Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science or similar discipline in addition to demonstrated strong performance in research in the areas of Production and Layout Design, Facility Planning, AI-based tools for Predictive and Preventive Maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake high-quality academic research and conduct independent research, preferably in AI and supporting areas.
- Software skills, involvement in the profession and/or Industry, and experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) systems would be considered added benefits.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills appropriate for interacting effectively with team members, collaborators and colleagues across the Faculty.
- A demonstrated ability to complete tasks within agreed time frames with suitable supervision.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.
- Generous superannuation contributions
- Employee discounts
- A commitment to life long learning
- UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.
Eligibility:
The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. The checks that will be undertaken are listed in the Position Description. You will not be required to provide any further documentation or information regarding the checks until directly requested by UNSW.
Candidates must hold Australian citizenship to be considered for this position. The successful candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance (i.e. Australian Citizen). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
How to apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Please apply via our online recruitment system.
In your application, please include:
- your CV
- a 2-page cover letter addressing the skills and experience outlined in the Position Description.
Applications Close: Wednesday 6 August 2025 at 11:55 pm
Contact:
For role-related queries please contact:
Dr Ripon K. Chakrabortty
r.chakrabortty@unsw.edu.au
For recruitment process related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au
Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW
For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra
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.
