Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow - Stochastic Optimisation for Complex Planning Systems

The University of Sydney - School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technologies

Reference no. 373/0216 

• Join a group with substantial experimental facilities
• Focus on stochastic optimisation for complex planning systems applied to agriculture and environment modelling for robotic systems
• Up to two years fixed term contract, remuneration package: $114K-$160K p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% super) 

The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7500 permanent staff, supporting over 52,000 students.

The ACFR is based in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at The University of Sydney, and is dedicated to the research, development, application and dissemination of field robotics principles and intelligent software. The ACFR is the largest robotics and automation research group in Australia and is also one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The group has substantial experimental facilities including three laboratories and a field test site, a range of experimental and production vehicles, industry-quality mechanical and electrical design and fabrication facilities, and employs the latest in embedded computing, sensing and control technologies.

We are currently seeking a self-motivated and well-qualified researcher to contribute to the theoretical and applied tasks of the planning research group, with a focus on stochastic optimisation for complex interacting systems. This will provide an exceptional opportunity to work closely with academia and industry at the intersection of fundamental research into field-robotics and agriculture operations. You will be expected to build research areas, engage in academic publication of research, and may also have the opportunity to teach at postgraduate and industry levels.

You will have a PhD in, mathematical optimisation, engineering, computer science or a related discipline, be a team player with good communications skills and satisfy the following key requirements:

• Expert knowledge in stochastic optimisation
• A strong mathematical understanding of probability theory
• Experience in developing stochastic optimisation algorithms and their application to planning
• Experience using and developing simulations of complex systems involving many interacting agents
• Desire to work on theoretical tasks related to real systems, including experimental validation using simulation
• Experience in software development, e.g. C++, Matlab or Python 

In addition the following will be advantageous: 

• Worked on technology for agriculture systems.
• Worked in an agriculture research environment 

The position is full-time fixed term for up to two years and is subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees. 

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

Closing Date: 11:30pm 25 April 2016 (Sydney time) 

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. As the University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged.