School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing

• Use your strong practical and research background to positively impact the data-science industry
• Two years fixed term full time role, with possibility for extension
• Salary range: Level A $74,236- $99,905 or Level B $105,043-$124,301 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities. With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university. 

About the team

The Australian Centre for Transforming Maintenance through Data Science (CTMTDS) is a joint collaboration between Curtin University, the University of Western Australia and CSIRO, and industry partners Alcoa, BHP, and Roy Hill, as well as CORE Innovation Hub and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia. The Centre, co-funded by the Australian Research Council through the Industrial Transformation Training Centre scheme, aims to train a new generation of data scientist, equipping them with the skills needed to develop new data science methods for solving complex modelling, technical language processing and optimisation challenges in asset maintenance. This cohort of data scientists will drive an exciting transformation of maintenance practice in the Australian resources industry based on new advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence and optimisation. The Centre involves a team of 20 scientists and engineers at the three research institutes together with practicing engineers at the industry partners.

About the opportunity

As a Research Associate/Research Fellow in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics you will have the rare opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of academics in CTMTDS to conduct research leading to both industry impacts and high-quality publications.

Drawing on your strong research and practical skills you will develop algorithms and methods to support application of complex systems and network science to problems related to industrial maintenance. Applications will include knowledge graphs extracted from maintenance work orders, and cascading failures in complex engineering systems. You will engage with the Centre’s industry partners to identify and address maintenance-related industry questions using appropriate methods.

The role will complement existing areas of expertise in natural language processing, network science, dynamical systems and nonlinear time series analysis. You will also have the opportunity to mentor research students during study and industry placement as well as supporting and co-supervising final year undergraduate and PhD students.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate: 

• A PhD focus relevant to complex systems, network science, or knowledge graphs 
• Practical and research experience in the analysis of experimental or industry data
• Strong track record of research publications
• Written and verbal communication skills in the preparation of high-quality reports, presentations and publications for a range of audiences
• A strong team player with experience working within a cross-disciplinary team, across different institutions and with industry partners at their work sites is desirable
• Experience in any of the following is highly desirable: complex network analysis; complex engineering systems; symbolic approximation; discrete symbolic dynamics; and, natural language processing.

Applicants with a sustained record of publication and recognition of research impact will be considered for appointment as Research Fellow.

About you

The successful candidate will be expected to be available to attend onsite in industry and to comply with the work culture and safety expectations of our industry partners.

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the 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: 11:55 pm AWST, Friday 7 October 2022

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.