Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR)
Faculty of Engineering
Reference No. 114/0120F

• The opportunity to contribute to world class operations and optimisation research for fleets of autonomous mining vehicles
• Join one of the largest robotics research groups in the world with over 120 researchers and engineers, and 1500m² of laboratory space
• Full-time, fixed term for up to 30 June 2021, with opportunities to extend project funding, Levels A-C, Base Salary: $91,177 p.a. - $150,204 p.a. plus leave loading and up to 17% superannuation).  Relocation allowance will also be provided.

About the opportunity 

We are currently seeking a self-motivated and well-qualified postdoctoral researcher to contribute to theoretical and applied optimisation research, with a focus on optimisation of dispatching or schedules for fleets of mobile equipment and agents across complex mining systems. The work will include data-driven modelling of equipment and process performance, and application of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques to real-world decision-making in real-time. This role will provide an exceptional opportunity to work closely with both academia and industry partner, Rio Tinto, at the intersection of fundamental research into field-robotics and commercial mining operations. You will work with the Centre’s team of software engineers to facilitate the real-world validation and operational deployment of your academic research. As a university academic, you will be expected to build research areas, engage in academic publication of research, and may also have the opportunity to teach at postgraduate and industry levels if desired.

About you

To be successful you will have a PhD or be close to completion in applied mathematics, engineering, computer science or related discipline, be a team player with good communications skills and satisfy the following key requirements:

• Demonstrated expert knowledge in operations research, optimisation and control systems
• Experience working collaboratively with application/domain experts
• Desire to work on both theoretical and applied modelling tasks, and support validation of research in conjunction with experts in the mining industry
• Proficiency in software development in Python, Matlab and/or C++

In addition, the following will be advantageous:

• Expertise in the specific domains of fleet dispatch or multi-agent scheduling; motion planning or decision-making algorithms; multi-agent coordination; decentralised or distributed control and optimisation; applied statistics and data analytics
• Expertise with discrete, combinatorial, mixed-integer optimisation and heuristic solution methods
• Expertise in model-predictive control and/or robust optimisation techniques being used in receding horizon control
• Demonstrated ability of working closely with a software development team to transfer research outcomes into software components for a real-world system
• Experience simulating real-world systems for validation and verification
• Work experience in a mining research environment

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity.

The commencement level will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience and knowledge.

About us

The Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation (RTCMA) is a University of Sydney research centre, established within the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) in 2007. Since its launch, it has become a world-class research group of scientists and engineers, recognised for both fundamental research and delivering technology to industry, with a range of complementary expertise in both academic research and software engineering. The Centre’s research spans automation of equipment, geological interpretation and optimisation of equipment and processes. Funded by the global mining company Rio Tinto, the aim of the Centre for Mining Automation is to develop and implement the vision of a fully autonomous, remotely operated mine.

Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across our campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.

We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.

How to apply

For more information on the position and University, please view the candidate information pack available from the job’s listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number No. 114/0120F

to apply.

Closing date: 11:30pm 19 February 2020 (Sydney Time)

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications are encouraged from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.