Research Associate – UNSW Defence Trailblazer project

This Job is based in Australia The Opportunity The Research Associate will work closely with a team of distinguished experts from UNSW Sydney and an industry partner on a Defence Trailblazer project titled “Resilience of Supply Chain Unstructured Data”. The purpose of the project is to develop software to encrypt and control the many different data file formats circulating within the Defence supply chains.

The outcome is an encryption software suite that can protect sensitive information across the entire Defence supply chain. This position will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and output across contributing to the writing of scientific papers for international venues, participating in conferences and workshops and actively engaging with industry partners. This position reports to Prof.

Salil

Kanhere and A/Prof.

Sushmita

Ruj.

• Salary, Level A - $91,381 - $121,838 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full Time
• Fixed-term contract to March 2027
• 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 School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the largest and most prestigious computing schools in Australia. It offers undergraduate programs in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security and Bioinformatics, as well as a number of combined degrees with other disciplines. It attracts excellent students with outstanding records in international competitions.

At the postgraduate level, there is a large PhD research program and coursework programs at the Master’s and Graduate Diploma levels in Computing and Information Technology, and at the Graduate Certificate level in Computing. Our research mission is to be at the forefront of research into new and exciting innovations with profound national and international impact. For further information about the School, please visit http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/

Skills & Experience

• A PhD (or soon to be awarded) in computer science, especially in cyber security or related area.
• Expertise in cryptography and computer systems.
• Experience in software development and low-level programming, a good knowledge of C and C++ preferred.
• Good understanding of operating system concepts, file system drivers and kernel architecture.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated 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.

Pre-Employment Checks Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW. To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Additional details about the specific responsibilities for these positions can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

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. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact

Allyssar Hamoud – Talent Acquisition Associate

E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 19th April 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.