Postdoctoral Fellow – Capability Systems Centre, UNSW Canberra

Employment type:   Fixed-term, full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: 2 years

Remuneration: Level B from $133,065 + leave loading + 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

 

About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

 

Why Your Role Matters:
The Capability Systems Centre (CSC) is a world-leading research institute and trusted go-to for Government and industry in the critical area of capability management and all aspects related to the capability lifecycle (design, acquisition, sustainment). As an experienced Postdoctoral Fellow (Level B), you will carry out independent and/or team research activities. You will report directly to the Director, Capability Systems Centre.

 

Accountabilities:

• Engage in individual and/or collaborative research in a manner consistent with disciplinary practice.

• Create scholarly impact in the discipline which is recognised by peers in the advancement of disciplinary knowledge.

• Conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision, either independently or as a member of a team (as per the norms of the discipline).

• Establish a personal research portfolio and start developing independent research proposals.

• Contribute to the development of applications for competitive funding under the guidance of senior colleagues.

• Participate as co-investigator or chief investigator in competitive grant applications or show evidence of active participation in research collaborations funded by competitive grants.

• Design research projects.

 

Who You Are (skills and experience): 

• A PhD in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, combined with experience.

• Demonstrated research experience in Modelling and Simulation (M&S) and decision support analytics, stakeholder engagement and an active research agenda evidenced by research, supported by high-quality publications and presentations of research in an academic environment.

• Strong hands-on experience with a range of M&S tools and computational skilks is expected.

• Experience in hybrid approaches combining modelling and simulation (M&S) with AI and other emerging techniques (LLMs) will be highly regarded

• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.

• Experience in developing reusable, interoperable, and modular simulation frameworks, applied across multiple sectors (including defence), will be highly regarded.

• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.

• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.

 

Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.

 

• Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional three days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Free gym access
• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture. 

You can learn more about our Benefits and Culture at Lifestyle & Benefits UNSW

Eligibility: 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.

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

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-
• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

 

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au

 

Get in Touch:

For role-related queries please contact:
Sondoss El Sawah - Director, CSC

s.elsawah@unsw.edu.au

For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW  

For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra 
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra

 

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.