Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow – Robust learning for dynamics and control

• Full time, fixed term for 2 years with the potential for extension subject to funding. Located on the Darlington Campus at the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR)
• Utilise your experience in control, machine learning, robotics and/or optimisation
• Level A/B with base Salary $97,043 – $134,403 p.a. + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher – Robust learning for dynamics and control with a strong background in control, machine learning, robotics and/or optimisation to join the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR).

The ACFR is one of the largest robotics research institutes in the world, with over 100 members including faculty, research fellows, technical staff, and postgraduate students. The ACFR performs fundamental research on perception, control, modelling, learning and systems engineering and has strong industry and scientific collaborations in sectors including mining, commercial aviation, agriculture, defence, intelligent vehicles, and underwater mapping and exploration.

You will work alongside Professor Ian Manchester and Associate Professor Guodong Shi, in collaboration with Professor Alexandre Proutiere (KTH, Sweden) and Professor Alexandre Megretski (MIT, USA) on a project funded by the Australian Research Council.

Your key opportunities will be to:

• develop new approaches to controlling robotic and cyber-physical systems in safety-critical applications
• focus on how to harness the power of machine learning and data-driven methods, while guaranteeing safety and stability at all times, even during the learning process
• build on foundational methods in robust/nonlinear control and online learning, and explore applications in robotics and other fields
• collaborate with other teams and implement and test your algorithms on a range of experimental platforms at the ACFR, including bipedal walking robots, robot arms, underwater robots, and self-driving vehicles.

To learn more about the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR), click here.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher – Robust learning for dynamics and control who has:

• a PhD, or soon to be completed, in engineering, applied mathematics, or computer science, with an ability to start by early 2024
• a research track record, potential or demonstrated, of international standing
• strong mathematical and computational skills
• demonstrated expertise and research experience in machine learning (especially robustness certification, online learning or reinforcement learning), nonlinear/robust control theory, optimization, or a related field
• excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Essential criteria (level B):

• a research track record of high-impact papers in machine learning, nonlinear/robust control, optimization, or a related field
• demonstrated potential to obtain funding through competitive research grants.

Desirable criteria:

• experience with nonlinear/robust control theory and algorithms, in particular contraction analysis and/or integral quadratic constraints
• experience with machine learning of dynamic systems, in particular recurrent neural nets, reinforcement learning, system identification etc
• experience in design and analysis of optimization algorithms, especially online learning and online convex.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin Recruitment Operations, by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.