Research Associate (Software Developer) - Level A

Job Reference: 1168083

About the Role:
You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of intelligent and distributed software systems that enable advanced research in artificial intelligence and computing. This role combines hands-on software engineering with applied research, including coding, environment setup, automation, and experimentation to support the team’s research objectives to develop adaptive AI systems.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside senior software developers, system architects, and research specialists from both academia and industry including collaboration with Defence partners to deliver robust, scalable, and secure software systems. It is ideally suited to candidates who enjoy solving real-world technical challenges, building research infrastructure, and learning from experienced engineers and domain experts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to and supporting applied research activities, including experimentation, evaluation, and prototype development in AI and distributed systems.
• Designing, developing, and testing software modules and tools to enable distributed and AI-enabled research.
• Building and maintaining containerised and automated environments using Docker, Kubernetes, or equivalent platforms.
• Supporting data integration, validation, and performance testing to ensure reliable and reproducible research outcomes.
• Preparing and maintaining project milestones, technical documentation, version control repositories, and research reports.
• Collaborating effectively with researchers, software engineers, and industry or Defence partners to deliver high-quality research and development outputs.

Who we are looking for - Selection Criteria:

Essential

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated programming proficiency (e.g., Python, C++, Java) and sound understanding of software-engineering practices.
• Experience with DevOps/MLOps tools and workflows, including containerisation and automation (e.g., Docker, CI/CD, Git).
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research and technical team.
• Strong communication, documentation, and analytical skills.

Desirable

• Familiarity with cloud, virtual machines or distributed computing environments.
• Exposure to machine-learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Interest in developing scalable and secure software systems in partnership with industry and Defence collaborators.

Role Requirements:

• Applicants must be Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
• The role may require the successful candidate to undergo a security clearance, depending on project scope and data access.
• Candidates must comply with security, confidentiality, and research-integrity standards relevant to Defence or sensitive research.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Your new Team – School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS):
Formed in 2017, EECMS unites Curtin’s core expertise in physics, electrical engineering, computing, 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.

The Computing discipline offers industry‑aligned, Australian Computer Society–accredited programs in areas such as computer science, cyber security, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. Guided by curricula from the IEEE Computer Society and ACM. The discipline combines cutting‑edge research with strong industry collaboration to prepare graduates for global careers in the rapidly evolving digital world.

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 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:
Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless 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 demonstrating how your background meets the position’s selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages

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. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: 8.30pm (AWST), Monday, 29 December 2025

Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

• Please be aware that Curtin University will be closed following Friday 19th December. The University will reopen on Monday, 5th January. This break will impact all current recruitment processes, and as a result, you may not receive any updates on this process until early January 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, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.