Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate; Formal Methods

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate (Formal Methods)

Join the Trustworthy Systems (TS) Research Group in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at UNSW.

The TS Group conducts world‑leading research on software systems with mathematically provable trustworthiness. We offer a Research Associate / Senior Research Associate role where you will:

• Develop proof techniques for systems software and apply them to the verification of real‑world systems.
• Contribute to the PISTIs‑V project, including connecting user‑mode component correctness proofs to the seL4 specification, compositional reasoning for system‑level properties, formalising security policies and enforcement, and developing reasoning frameworks for timeliness in mixed‑criticality systems.
• Write scientific papers and reports for international journals, present at conferences and workshops, supervise research students, and engage with industry partners.
• Report directly to Scientia Professor Gernot Heiser (no direct reports).

• Conduct independent research in formal methods.
• Collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Communicate findings to a diverse audience.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research students (Senior Research Associate only).
• Maintain commitment to UNSW’s health and safety policies.

• PhD in computer science or related discipline focused on formal methods (completed or near completion).
• Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq, or similar; or experience proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers.
• Experience formalising and formally reasoning about security properties and models.
• Familiarity with current research in formal methods, especially applied to program verification.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent work with limited supervision.
• Track record of publications in formal methods.
• Teamwork, collaboration, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to UNSW’s values and policies.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities.

• PhD in computer science or related discipline focused on formal methods.
• Experience with interactive theorem proving using Isabelle/HOL, HOL4, Coq, or similar; or experience proving security properties with model checkers or SMT solvers.
• Experience formalising and formally reasoning about security properties and models.
• Familiarity with current research in formal methods, especially applied to program verification.
• Strong independent research skills and track record of publications and presentations.
• Proven ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines, and build effective relationships.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders and students.
• Demonstrated supervision of honours and postgraduate research students.
• Track record of high‑quality research outputs and leadership potential.
• Significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• Ability to implement UNSW health and safety policies.

• Salary: Research Associate (Level
  
  A) – AUD $110,059 to $117,718 per annum + 17% superannuation.
• Senior Research Associate (Level B, Step
  1) – AUD $127,947 per annum + 17% superannuation.
• Full time.
• Fixed‑term contract – 2 years.
• Location:
  
  Kensington – Sydney, Australia.

Please click the “Apply now” button and submit your CV, cover letter and responses to the skills and experience. Systematically address the skills and experience listed above. Applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact below.

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: eugene.aves.au

11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 18 January 2026.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community. 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.