Senior Research Officer - The Kirby Institute

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed Term contract until 31 May 2030
• Remuneration: $118,483 base, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading 
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: Kensington, Sydney

About The Kirby Institute:

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. We work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Putting communities at the heart of our research, we develop tests, treatments, cures and prevention strategies that have the greatest chance of success.

Details of the role

The Senior Research Officer (EPIWATCH DevOps) will manage DevOps for EPIWATCH, including Natural Language Processing, Large Language Model Development to integrate pathogen genomics into EPIWATCH, an early warning system for epidemics. This will involve development of large-language models (e.g. GPT-5), testing and training the models for integration into EPIWATCH® across all areas where LLMs are used in EPIWATCH. A high level of skill in coding and programming (rather than using AI-generated code) is essential. The role will require integration of DNA models such as EVO2 into EPIWATCH, in addition to LLMs.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and technology that supports global infectious disease surveillance and epidemic preparedness. Working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, natural language processing, genomics, and software engineering, you will lead the development and integration of advanced large language models that enhance the capabilities of EPIWATCH. You will collaborate with researchers, software engineers, data custodians, and stakeholders while contributing to publications, reports, and grant activities. This role is ideal for a technically accomplished professional with strong coding expertise, cloud deployment experience, and a passion for applying innovative technologies to real-world public health challenges.

The Senior Research Officer reports to the Head, EPIWATCH AI may have direct reports.

Some key skills required:

• A university degree in computer science, software engineering, machine learning or Natural Language Processing (NLP).
• Minimum 12 months full time experience with GPT4 Large Language Model (LLM) prompt engineering and natural language processing.
• High level coding and programming skills, with the ability to write original code rather than produce AI-generated code. Skilled in Python, Javascript, Bash scripting, C ++, Golang, Python, Java, HTML and + CSS, SQL,.NET, CRMs, Typescript, JQuery, Bootstrap, A/B testing, React and Node.js. A technical test will be done to test coding skills.
• At least 12 months experience working in Azure cloud environment and Docker.
• Minimum 12 months full-time experience working with infectious diseases surveillance systems or open-source infectious diseases data. Experience with EPIWATCH® desirable.
• Experience in agile development, daily sprints and use of Git.
• Experience in design, development and successful integration of LLMs using GPT-5 and other models, into EPIWATCH across all areas (report generation, EPISCOPE automated digests, SENTIWATCH and genomics).
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication skills to initiate and maintain effective stakeholder relationships whilst exercising discretion and confidentiality.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

Pre-Employment Checks:

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

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

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a separate document addressing the skills and experience listed in the Position Description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E:  f.mchenry@unsw.edu.au    

Applications close: Thursday 20^th August before 11.30pm Sydney time

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