Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate; Formal Methods

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate – Trustworthy Systems Research Group

The Opportunity

The Trustworthy Systems (TS) Research Group, part of the School of Computer Science and Engineering, conducts world‑leading research on software systems whose trustworthiness can be mathematically proven. We are looking for a Research Associate (Level A) or Senior Research Associate (Level B, Step 1) to contribute to proof techniques for systems software, develop reasoning frameworks for mixed‑criticality systems, and support our PISTIs‑V project, which connects user‑mode component proofs to the seL4 specification and formalises security policies.

As a member of the team, you will write scientific papers and reports for international journals, attend conferences and workshops, assist in supervising research students, and engage with industry partners. The Senior Research Associate will report to Scientia Professor Gernot Heiser and is not a supervisory role.

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

• Develop and apply proof techniques for systems software.
• Contribute to the PISTIs‑V project: linking correctness proofs of user‑mode components to the seL4 specification, compositional reasoning for system‑level properties, and formalising security policy enforcement.
• Advance reasoning frameworks for timeliness in mixed‑criticality systems.
• Write and co‑author scientific papers, reports, and conference presentations.
• Supervise honours and postgraduate research students (Senior Research Associate only).
• Engage with industry partners and support outreach activities.

• PhD in computer science or a related discipline with a focus on formal methods, completed or near completion.
• Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq, or similar; or experience proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers.
• Familiarity with formalisation of security properties and models; desire to understand current research in applied program verification.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high‑quality independent research and produce publications in formal methods.
• Teamwork, collaboration across disciplines, and effective stakeholder communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and enthusiasm.
• Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values, and awareness of relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attend relevant training.

• PhD in computer science or a related discipline with a focus on formal methods.
• Experience with Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq, or similar; or with model checking or SMT solvers for security properties.
• Familiarity with formalisation of security properties and models.
• Track record of independent research and publications in formal methods.
• Strong publication and conference presentation record.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and build relationships.
• Excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders and students.
• Experience supervising honours and postgraduate research students.
• Evidence of research excellence, high‑impact outcomes, and leadership capacity.
• Involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, and values and to adopting health and safety policies.

Apply by clicking the "Apply Now" button and submit your CV, Cover Letter, and Responses to the Skills and Experience. Address each item listed in the Skills and Experience section.

Contact
:
Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant, E: eugene.aves.au

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.