Research Associate

Research Associate Faculty of Science & Engineering Perth, Western Australia Contract Full Time 27/07/2026 Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025) Full-time, fixed term contract until 31 March 2028 Help shape the future of Australia's defence technology capability Job Reference Number: 1648436 Join an established, high-performing research team delivering innovative solutions that support the development, delivery and evolution of Australia's defence systems. This exciting opportunity forms part of a Defence-funded research contract exploring cutting-edge, industry-developed technologies designed to enhance platform performance, scalability, security and resource efficiency. Please note: Applicants must be Australian Citizens. About the Role: As a Research Fellow, you will contribute to world-leading research into Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) technologies, working at the intersection of software engineering, distributed systems, cloud platforms and performance evaluation. You will collaborate with researchers, software engineers, students and Defence stakeholders to translate research concepts into practical prototypes and technology solutions that address real-world capability challenges. In this impactful role, you’ll undertake applied research and software development activities that support the design, integration, testing and evaluation of secure and scalable software platforms. The role combines research excellence with hands-on technical implementation, providing opportunities to contribute to impactful outcomes for both Defence and academic audiences. Your responsibilities will include: Conducting applied research across PaaS technologies, distributed computing, software platform design and performance assessment. Designing, developing and validating research prototypes and platform components supporting secure and scalable software deployment. Developing benchmarking frameworks, evaluation methodologies and experimental protocols to assess performance, reliability, scalability, interoperability and resource utilisation. Collaborating with software engineers on architecture design, platform integration, testing, automation and technical documentation. Analysing research findings and preparing technical reports, project deliverables, briefings and scholarly outputs. Supporting robust research practices including data management, reproducibility, version control, confidentiality and research integrity. Building productive relationships with Defence, industry and academic stakeholders through project meetings, reviews and demonstrations. Mentoring and supporting students and junior team members contributing to related research activities. Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria): Essential: A PhD, or near completion of a PhD, in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Distributed Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated experience in applied research, software engineering, distributed systems, cloud/PaaS platforms, or performance evaluation. Strong programming and prototyping skills, with experience in languages and tools such as Python, Java, C/C++, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, or equivalent. Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyse results, and report findings clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholders. Experience with collaborative software development practices, including Git, issue tracking, documentation, testing, and reproducible workflows. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, research publications, and stakeholder briefings. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and engage professionally with university, industry, and Defence partners. Commitment to Curtin values, research integrity, confidentiality, and safe and respectful workplace practices. Desirable: Experience trialling, piloting, or evaluating new and emerging technologies, particularly PaaS platforms and services (e.g. Kubernetes-based, serverless, or cloud-native environments). Experience with containerisation, orchestration, DevOps, MLOps, or infrastructure automation tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, or cloud services. Experience in benchmarking, simulation, system testing, performance profiling, or evaluation of cloud, edge, distributed, or service-oriented platforms. Experience contributing to externally funded research projects, milestone reporting, stakeholder engagement, or Defence-related research environments. Knowledge of secure software development, cyber-resilient systems, data governance, or deployment within sensitive or controlled environments. As part of our commitment to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation at the University, we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If your qualifications or experience look different from what we've described above, but you feel your skills and potential are a match to the capabilities we need, please apply. This role is part of a progressive and supportive team. We are looking for diversity in experience, thought and approach. Role Requirements: Applicants must be Australian Citizens. The successful candidate may be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance, subject to project requirements. The successful candidate must comply with Curtin University policies and all security, confidentiality, research integrity, and Defence-related requirements applicable to the project. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction. Your new Team - The High-Performance Intelligent Systems (HPIS) Research Group: The HPIS Research Group within the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS), focuses on the design and development of next-generation distributed Intelligent systems using state-of-art technologies, i.e., edge-cloud computing, machine learning (ML) techniques, Internet of Things (IoT), and software and cyber security engineering. The group comprises leading experts in software engineering, cyber security, machine learning and cloud/edge computing. The group fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research, and development with various industry partners. Formed in 2017, EECMS unites Curtin’s core expertise in electrical engineering, computing, physics, mathematics, and statistics to better understand and advance our data-driven world. As part of Curtin’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, EECMS is one of the university’s largest schools, with a rapidly expanding teaching and research portfolio. The school is at the forefront of emerging fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technologies, Energy Informatics, and Immersive Technologies. Our teaching programs are delivered across Curtin’s global campuses. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines. As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources. As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically. Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to: 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options. Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days) Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9). Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students) Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions On-campus medical centre Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better. To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/ About Curtin University Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/ What We Offer You: This fixed term, full-time ALA level role (ending 31 March 2028) attracts a remuneration of $108,064 - $115,862 (ALA.6-ALA.8) + 17% superannuation. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/ Join Us! If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents: Up-to-date Resume Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above) If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted. Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Monday, 10 August 2026 Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time. Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. Back to search results

• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
• A PhD, or near completion of a PhD, in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Distributed Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in applied research, software engineering, distributed systems, cloud/PaaS platforms, or performance evaluation.
• Strong programming and prototyping skills, with experience in languages and tools such as Python, Java, C/C++, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, or equivalent.
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyse results, and report findings clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with collaborative software development practices, including Git, issue tracking, documentation, testing, and reproducible workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, research publications, and stakeholder briefings.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and engage professionally with university, industry, and Defence partners.
• Commitment to Curtin values, research integrity, confidentiality, and safe and respectful workplace practices.
• Experience trialling, piloting, or evaluating new and emerging technologies, particularly PaaS platforms and services (e.g. Kubernetes-based, serverless, or cloud-native environments).
• Experience with containerisation, orchestration, DevOps, MLOps, or infrastructure automation tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, or cloud services.
• Experience in benchmarking, simulation, system testing, performance profiling, or evaluation of cloud, edge, distributed, or service-oriented platforms.
• Experience contributing to externally funded research projects, milestone reporting, stakeholder engagement, or Defence-related research environments.
• Knowledge of secure software development, cyber-resilient systems, data governance, or deployment within sensitive or controlled environments.
• Applicants must be Australian Citizens.
• The successful candidate must comply with Curtin University policies and all security, confidentiality, research integrity, and Defence-related requirements applicable to the project.

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