Positions that have closed.
- Postdoctoral Researcher in Field Robotics and Animal Foraging Behaviour
We are looking to appoint a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher in computer science or robotics to join our interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of field robotics, machine learning, and animal foraging behaviour.
Our team comprises roboticists and nutritional biologists who are collaborating on an innovative project focused on the foraging behaviour of cattle. By leveraging our combined expertise in robotics, machine learning, behaviour and animal nutrition, we aim to develop a better understanding of how cattle navigate their environment and make decisions about foraging based on the nutritional profile of the available vegetation.
Our approach involves deploying state-of-the-art robotics technologies to track cattle movement and behaviour, collecting data on the chemical composition and quality of available vegetation, and simulating potential foraging patterns. By analysing the data using advanced machine learning algorithms, we hope to uncover new insights into the relationship between animal foraging, plant community structure and the nutritional composition of the environment, and potentially to use robotic platforms for directing better foraging behaviours of the cattle.
Ultimately, we believe that our work will lead to more effective and sustainable strategies for managing livestock nutrition, land management and improving animal health and welfare.
Applications closed 21 May 2023
Please contact Salah Sukkarieh
- Administration Officer – Part-time
We are looking to appoint 2 x Part time, Administration Officers for 12 months fixed term, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding. Exciting opportunity to provide administrative support across the Australian Centre for Robotics and Australian Robotic Inspection and Asset Management Hub on Darlington Campus.
About the opportunity
The Administration Officers will be providing a broad range of administrative support to meet the needs of staff, postgraduate and visiting research students within the Centre. The successful candidates will act as the first points of contact for the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) and Australian Robotic Inspection and Asset Management Hub (ARIAM) teams and will require strong administrative and organisational skills in order to coordinate and undertake a range of operational activities on an ongoing basis.We are welcoming applications from individuals who are interested in taking on both roles and working 4 days a week across the two teams, or from individuals who are wanting the flexibility to work in either team for 2 days a week.
One role will be working under the direction of the Australian Centre for Robotics Administration Manager focusing on:
providing general administrative and operational support
onboarding and general support for postgraduate and visiting students
providing support for outreach and work experience programs
assisting with the coordination of meetings and events
managing the collection of student data for Centre reporting requirements
maintaining accurate record keeping and reporting
One role will be supporting the ARIAM Research Hub Manager focusing on:coordination of meetings, visits, workshops, and official industry events
monitoring the ARIAM budget through the tracking of expenditure
collating research reports from project teams to meet reporting deadlines
updating the ARIAM Research Hub website and social media pages
providing support to the team for outreach activities and other initiatives
supporting the onboarding of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
Applications closed 14 May 2023Please contact Annette Karydis or Bridget
- Postdoctoral Research Associate in Underwater Computational imaging
We are looking to appoint a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Associate in Underwater Computational Imaging in Sydney, part of ARIAM Research Hub,
About the opportunity
We are seeking an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake fundamental and applied research related to the development, design and deployment of novel imaging technologies for an autonomous underwater robot. As part of the Australian Robotic Inspection and Management Research Hub (ARIAM), this position involves working closely with Hub Industry Partner Advanced Navigation on their prototype Hydrus Autonomous Underwater Vehicle platform. The research will focus on the combined design and interpretation of camera and sonar imaging systems using computational imaging techniques to enable greater performance in challenging underwater conditions.
This robotic sensing-focused position will advance the imaging and sensing technologies required for autonomous underwater survey. Challenges arise from environmental conditions including murky water, bubbles, debris, low light, and complex underwater acoustic propagation and interference. Additional constraints arise in power, size, compute, and latency associated with real-time robotic navigation and mapping.
Depending on ability and interest, candidate approaches can include combining inverse rendering and novel representations, physics-based sensor and propagation models, high-fidelity noise and interference models, and computational imaging approaches to adaptive insonification, exposure coding and coded blur. This project will offer dramatic improvements in sensing robustness and performance, and geometric and textural accuracy in autonomous underwater asset inspection.
Applications closed 16 May, 2023 Sydney Time
Please contact Donald Dansereau
- Vonwiller Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Robotics and AI for Precision Agriculture
About the opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our robotics team to advance the state-of-the-art in field robotics and AI for precision agriculture. You will undertake applied research in data fusion, optimisation and AI algorithms that will analyse, in real-time, soil samples taken by our agriculture field robot and use these results to determine, in real-time, the next optimal sampling location for the robot. You will participate and conduct field trials on farms (spanning multiple days per trial) to implement and validate these algorithms.
Our project is in collaboration with agriculture scientists, and your contributions will enable autonomous precision sampling and will help transform agricultural operations world-wide.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- design and develop innovative algorithms that analyse, in real-time, soil samples obtained by our agriculture field robot. Utilise machine learning techniques, statistical modelling, and data fusion methodologies to extract information about the soil, such as macro nutrients and pH
- work closely with the team to refine the sensing capabilities on the agriculture field robot. Collaborate on sensor integration, calibration, and validation processes to ensure accurate and reliable soil measurements
- use the information derived from the analysis to determine optimal sample locations for the agriculture field robot. Develop an optimisation and decision-making framework that maximises the knowledge gained about soil nutrient distribution, and that learns and is adaptable over time
- conduct repeatable field experiments and validation studies on farm, spanning multiple days per trial, to assess the performance and effectiveness of your algorithms. Collaborate with agricultural scientists to compare algorithm-derived insights with traditional soil analysis methods and refine your work accordingly
- publish research papers and technical reports in high-impact journals and present work at conferences, workshops, and industry events
- Provide guidance and mentorship to graduate students and junior researchers involved in the project.
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 who has:
- a recent Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Electronics Engineering, or a related field (candidate near completion may also be considered)
- a strong background in AI, machine learning, statistical analysis, and algorithm development
- proficiency in the programming languages Python/C/C++, and in coding real-time implementations
- demonstrated expertise in developing real-time algorithms
- excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to handle complex data and algorithmic challenges
- strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and the wider community, both written and verbal
- track record of publishing research papers in relevant engineering scientific journals and conferences
- experience in working with Visible and/or IR and/or Spectral sensors
- experience in undertaking field and/or outdoor experiments with sensors and algorithms
The following criteria would also be valuable but not mandatory:
- familiarity with soil analysis techniques and understanding of soil nutrient dynamics in agricultural systems
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 Linden Joseph or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Consultants, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close Sunday 06 August 2023 11:59 PM
Please contact Salah Sukkarieh