The Opportunity

The School of Computer Science and Engineering is seeking a Software Engineers to contribute to the development of innovative machine learning solutions using deep learning and multimodal foundation models. Working closely with leading researchers, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced prototype systems that demonstrate practical outcomes for complex reasoning and understanding tasks. This role offers the opportunity to combine software engineering with cutting-edge AI research, including model development, benchmarking, evaluation, optimisation, and infrastructure design, while supporting high-impact projects in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

This is an opportunity to join a global leader in Computer Science, with cutting-edge facilities, world-class faculty, and an innovative research environment. You will contribute to the development of next-generation AI solutions while helping to translate cutting-edge research into practical outcomes with real-world impact.

We are seeking an experienced software engineer with expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and multimodal AI systems. You will bring strong technical skills in Python and modern deep learning frameworks, together with the ability to develop, evaluate, and optimise complex AI solutions. You will be comfortable working independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, communicating complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, and contributing technical leadership to challenging research and development projects.

This role reports to Prof Flora Salim and has no direct reports.

• Salary, Level 7: $ 113,926 to $ 123,301 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed term – 3 years
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Australian citizenship required for project eligibility

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The School of Computer Science and Engineering is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of computing in Australia. It offers undergraduate programmes in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Bioinformatics, as well as a number of combined degrees with other disciplines. Our research and teaching staff are world leading and world building as they advance knowledge and learning. For more information on our school go to the following link - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/computer-science-and-engineering

Skills and Experience

• A degree in computing, software engineering or a related discipline, with substantial subsequent experience demonstrating advanced capability in software engineering, machine learning or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated advanced expertise in Python and modern deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, Transformers), including the ability to design, evaluate and optimise complex machine learning systems.
• Proven experience applying theoretical and practical knowledge of deep learning models (text, vision, audio or multimodal) to complex, real‑world research or development problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead software development practices, including version control, code review, and the establishment of development standards using tools such as GitHub or GitLab.
• Experience leading the design and delivery of sophisticated prototype demonstrations, including front‑end interfaces, visualisation tools and model integration, to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Advanced experience in model evaluation, comparison and validation, including the design of robust testing methodologies and critical interpretation of results to inform decision‑making.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, authoritative advice for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of autonomy, set priorities, manage competing demands and exercise sound judgement in dynamic and ambiguous environments.
• Proven capability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, while also providing leadership, mentoring and guidance to others to support capability development and project outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Desirable

• Experience applying advanced software or machine learning solutions within defence, security or similarly regulated environments, including consideration of ethical, governance and compliance requirements.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

To Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must be Australian Citizens and be able to be on site in Kensington. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

For role-specific inquiries, please contact Prof Flora Salim (Program Lead)

E: flora.salim@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026

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.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.