Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate; Formal Methods

Position: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate (Formal Methods)

Overview

Trustworthy Systems (TS) Research Group, part of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at UNSW, Sydney, invites applications for a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate. The role focuses on developing proof techniques for systems software and applying them to real‑world software verification, including work on the PISTIs‑V project.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply proof techniques for systems software.
• Work on PISTIs‑V activities: connecting correctness proofs of user‑mode components to the seL4 specification, compositional reasoning for system‑level properties, formalising security policies, and developing reasoning frameworks for timeliness in mixed‑criticality systems.
• Write scientific papers and reports for international journals.
• Participate in conferences and workshops.
• Assist in supervising research students.
• Engage with industry partners.
• Report to Professor Gernot Heiser (Senior Research Associate) and perform independent research with limited supervision.

Salary

• Research Associate (Level A): AUD 110,059 – 117,718 per annum + 17% superannuation.
• Senior Research Associate (Level B, Step 1): AUD 127,947 per annum + 17% superannuation.

Job Details

• Full‑time, fixed‑term contract – 2 years.
• Location:
  
  Kensington, Sydney, Australia.
• Work from home or onsite as per project requirements.

Qualifications – Research Associate (Level A)

• 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 with proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers.
• Experience with formalisation of and formal reasoning about security properties and models.
• 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.
• Track record of publications in formal methods.
• Teamwork, collaboration across disciplines, and effective relationship building.
• Communication and interaction skills with diverse stakeholders and students.
• High‑developed interpersonal skills, initiative, and enthusiasm.
• Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, and relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant training.

Qualifications – Senior Research Associate (Level B)

• PhD in computer science or a related discipline with a focus on formal methods.
• Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq or similar, or with proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers.
• Experience with formalisation of and formal reasoning about security properties and models.
• Familiarity with current research in formal methods, especially applied to program verification.
• Independent research ability with limited supervision.
• Strong publication and conference presentation track record.
• Teamwork, collaboration across disciplines, and effective relationship building.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication with diverse stakeholders and students.
• Experience supervising honours and postgraduate research students.
• Evidenced research leadership, high‑quality outcomes, and capacity for research excellence.
• Significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• Commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, and relevant policies and guidelines.
• Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures.

Application Process

Please click the "Apply Now" button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. Applications that omit these documents or miss the required sections will be rejected.

Do not send applications to the contact below; they will not be accepted.

Contact

Talent Acquisition Consultant:
Eugene Aves
E: eugene.aves.au

Final date to receive applications

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

EEO Statement

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.

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