Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Research Field Computer science Engineering Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 31 Aug 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Australia Type of Contract Other Job Status Full time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

- Full time, 1-year fixed term position with possibility of extension
- Be part of the development of novel quantum magnetometer-based navigation tools for autonomous marine systems
- Base Salary $117,936 - $137,500 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney's Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) is one of Australia's leading robotics research groups and undertakes fundamental and applied research in the area of field robotics. Our marine systems group is focused on the development of autonomous marine vehicle systems for marine survey. We also explore tools for the visualisation, clustering and classification of extensive marine-based image archives,
characterisation of change in multi-year surveys and adaptive mission planning for multi-vehicle systems. We undertake marine surveys using robotic systems at sites around Australia and overseas in collaboration with a range of partners.

In partnership with University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Swinburne University, the University of Tasmania and Phasor Quantum and Quantum Brilliance, we have secured funding through an Australian Defence Sciences and Universities Network (ADSUN) and Defence Innovation Network (DIN)



project to conduct underwater trial using a sovereign quantum vector magnetometer. The objective of the project is to use the gathered survey data to explore advanced platform compensation techniques, map matching and magnetic navigation solutions. This project aims to investigate the advantages of multi-sensor fusion (inertial, acoustic, visual, and magnetic) for underwater sensing and long-range navigation for autonomous underwater vehicles. We will explore advanced non-parametric mapping techniques based on our prior work in the area of Gaussian Process based Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) and recent advances in non-parametric, 3D environment modelling. We will assess the utility of these tools for map-building using magnetometer data as well as exploring the potential for existing geospatial maps to enable long range, covert and autonomous navigation in underwater environments.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow interested in leading the development of these tools using a combination of simulation and real-world data collected by an AUV. The successful candidate will work closely with our project partners in assessing their utility using data collected by an AUV system and providing advice on future long autonomous navigation techniques.

About you

- a PhD in a relevant field or near completion




- extensive knowledge of robotic navigation, machine learning or other relevant fields
- experience working with marine robotic systems or the data they collect, including inertial, acoustic, visual and magnetometer data
- field experience deploying underwater or other advanced robotic systems are desirable

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Liam Newson or Nicole Feain, Recruitment Operations by email to

Copyright The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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📌 Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in the Area of Field Robotics (City of Sydney)
🏢 Times Higher Education
📍 City of Sydney