Research Associate/Senior Research Associate (Formal Methods)

The Opportunity

The Trustworthy Systems (TS) Research Group, based within the School of Computer Science and Engineering, conducts world‑leading research on software systems whose trustworthiness can be mathematically proven. The group is offering an opportunity for a Research Associate / Senior Research Associate to contribute to a range of research activities, including the development of proof techniques for systems software and their application to the verification of real‑world software systems. The role will also play a key part in the group’s PISTIs‑V project, working on activities such as connecting correctness proofs of user‑mode components to the seL4 specification, compositional reasoning for system‑level properties, formalising security policies and their enforcement, and developing reasoning frameworks for timeliness in mixed‑criticality systems.

The Senior Research Associate will report to Scientia Professor Gernot Heiser and has no direct reports.

The position will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and output by contributing to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participating in conferences and workshops, assisting in the supervision of research students, and actively engaging with industry partners.

• Salary: Research Associate (Level A) – AUD $110,059 to $117,718 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Salary: Senior Research Associate (Level B, Step 1) – AUD $127,947 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Employment type: Full time
• Contract: Fixed‑term (2 years)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The UNSW‑UTS Trustworthy Digital Society brings together experienced voices from both University and Industry with the aim to facilitate the creation of a digitally enabled society that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. We work towards a world where everyone can participate fully, safely and confidently in the digital world.

Skills & Experience – Research Associate (Level A)

• A PhD in computer science or a related discipline with focus on formal methods completed or close to completion;
• Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq or similar, or experience with proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers;
• Experience with formalisation of and formal reasoning about security properties and models is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with current research in formal methods, especially applied to program verification;
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision;
• Demonstrated Track record, relative to opportunity, of publications in formal methods;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students;
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills, initiative and enthusiasm;
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines;
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Skills & Experience – Senior Research Associate (Level B)

• PhD in computer science or a related discipline with focus on formal methods;
• Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq or similar, or experience with proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers;
• Experience with formalisation of and formal reasoning about security properties and models is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with current research in formal methods, especially applied to program verification;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision;
• Strong track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity;
• Proven ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships;
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students;
• Demonstrated ability to supervise honours and postgraduate research students;
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership;
• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry;
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines;
• Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures.

To Apply

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E:

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 18 January 2026

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.