• Exciting opportunity for a passionate researcher to work in research activities related to areas such as traffic/transport modelling and simulation, intelligent transport systems, traffic engineering, computer vision, video analytics and machine learning.
• Two year fixed term appointment
• Salary range: Level B $102,983 - $121,864 p.a. plus superannuation

Planning and Transport Research Centre

PATREC’s mandate is to conduct collaborative, applied research and teaching in support of policy in the connected spaces of transport and land use planning.

Key strategic activities to advance this mandate remain as:

• Multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional applied research in response to identified agency research requirements and knowledge gaps;
• Knowledge transfer through academic and less formal publications, connection events and a website as a reliable and accessible resource for researchers and policy-makers;
• Training, predominantly in the form of professional development through short courses, executive programs and “expert” courses on key topics, conducted in collaboration with other professional and industry bodies where possible; and
• Attracting additional research funds through business development.

The research focus areas for the next three years in support of key policy objectives, underpinned by information and modelling, are:

• Integrated land use and transport futures;
• Smarter travel decisions;
• Integrated freight system optimisation;
• Emerging technology and network optimisation and intelligence; and
• Transport infrastructure investment risk management.

Research projects undertaken within these focus areas will inform achievement of the following policy objectives:

• Reducing the need to travel.
• Public transport optimisation.
• More freight onto rail.
• Improved traffic flow deferring the need for new road infrastructure.
• Transport infrastructure investment risk management of uncertainty due to disruptive change.

It is in relation to these focus areas that research will be undertaken, with new opportunities and resources sought both in terms of researchers and funds, in order to advance the knowledge base and forge new and innovative evidence-based solutions to support policy in effectively planning and managing Western Australia’s future.

About the opportunity

As the successful appointee, you will mainly work independently to develop novel modelling techniques for agent-based traffic simulation, model calibration, parameter estimation, and regression-based analysis. You will also implement, or help software engineers implement, the model in the appropriate programming language and contribute to the production of scientific publications and reports. When opportunities arise, you may also work with your supervisor and other researchers in the Centre to develop models and algorithms in other related areas such as intelligent transport systems (ITS), traffic engineering, computer vision, video analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

About you

To succeed in this position, you will demonstrate:

• Completion of a PhD and postdoctoral research experience
• Expertise in mathematical modelling of complex systems and large spatial-temporal datasets
• Expertise developing novel methods for nonlinear time series analysis
• Experience in Markov chain event-driven simulations, experience in the theoretical analysis of dynamical systems described by Markov chains (desirable)
• Experience in the analysis of high dimensional spatially extended dynamical systems
• Familiarity of common machine learning algorithms and related Python libraries in (e.g. Numpy, Pandas, Scikit-learn)
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming
• Proficiency in the following will be desirable but not essential:
• Deep learning including computer vision related applications
• OpenCV
• Julia
• MatLab
• C/C++
• Parallel computing
• Ability to communicate and disseminate knowledge
• Record of publication in top tier physics/mathematics journals
• Ability in report writing
• Evidence of high-level interpersonal skills in both verbal and written communications since this role involves liaison with industry partners, relevant sections of the community, professional bodies, government departments and other external organisations
• Ability to pay attention to details
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Self-guided post-doctoral research experience with demonstrated ability to work independently, show initiative, and work productively as part of multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to relate well to staff and students at all levels and evidence of a commitment to equity and diversity
• Experience in developing computational solutions for industry and/or government policy and operational problems

Full details of the key responsibilities and selection criteria are outlined in the position description.

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria

Closing date: Tuesday, 16 November 2021

This position is open to international applicants.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity 

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered. 
• UWA has been awarded Bronze Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2021). 
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.