"Postdoctoral Research Fellow in AI-enabled Satellite Autonomy"

Based in School of Computer and Information Technology (Mawson Lakes)

Full-time (1.0 FTE), 11-month fixed term contract

Salary Range: $114,917 - $135,932 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

Contribute to cutting-edge research in AI-enabled satellite autonomy, developing reinforcement learning solutions for real-time planning and re-planning in dynamic space environments. Your work will help shape next-generation space systems with real-world impact across industry and end users.

The team

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, this role is embedded within the Spacecraft Autonomy & Onboard AI (SCARLET-α) project, part of a large collaborative initiative with SmartSat CRC and industry partners. The team focuses on advancing AI technologies for space systems with significant national and global impact.

Visit the AU website to learn more about the School of Computer and Information Technology.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, research-intensive environment. You will collaborate with academic and industry partners, contributing to innovative projects that bridge cutting-edge theory with real-world deployment.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning or related field

Experience

• A strong research track record relative to opportunity, including the ability to produce and disseminate high-quality peer-reviewed outputs in leading conferences and journals, such as CORE A* venues and top-tier international publications.
• Expertise in reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, and autonomous systems.
• Strong programming and experimental skills, with the capacity to develop, implement, and evaluate advanced reinforcement learning methods, and to contribute to the supervision of research students.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with team members, academic collaborators, and industry partners.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your future with Adelaide University now

Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:

• your current CV
• a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the role

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Submit your application by 11.30pm Monday 6 April 2026

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Please note that the role description is not attached to this advertisement as it is currently being finalised.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 492764):

Simone Patterson
Talent Acquisition Adviser
+61 8 8302 1700 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au