"Research Associate (522710)"

Job Description:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research for a commercial grade project.
• Flexible working options.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis until September 2027.
• Base salary range: Level A, $83,499 – $112,371 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

Join the Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC) at The University of Western Australia, where quantitative research supports real-world improvements in traffic safety, efficiency, and system performance.

This position contributes to externally funded research activities within RoadSense Analytics (RSA), a video analytics platform that converts traffic video into structured data describing vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist movements. You will work with traffic data generated by RSA, including tracked trajectories and derived interaction events. While upstream computer vision and AI models extract this information from video, this role focuses on research, modelling, and analysis of the resulting data, rather than developing the video analytics itself.

Supported by the AEA Innovate Grant, this work contributes to both applied research and the development of scalable, data-driven tools for traffic analysis. This role offers the opportunity to apply mathematical and statistical modelling skills to real-world traffic data, where models inform safety, operations, and planning decisions.

About the opportunity

• Lead problem formulation and apply mathematical and statistical modelling to deliver predictive analysis and insights.
• Build data-driven behavioural models that predict traffic dynamics, interactions and responses under varying conditions, using noisy and incomplete real-world trajectory data.
• Develop, calibrate and validate new traffic-behaviour models (e.g. gap acceptance, yielding, near-misses), assess uncertainty, bias and robustness in predictions, and contribute to high-quality research outputs through close collaboration with AI researchers, traffic engineers and external partners.

About you

• Solid foundations in statistical modelling and data analysis, including regression, probabilistic models, or time-series methods.
• Experience working with trajectory or spatiotemporal data, such as movement paths, time-indexed observations, or interaction events.
• Ability to formulate modelling problems from real-world questions, including defining appropriate assumptions, constraints, and sources of uncertainty.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Python or R and relevant scientific libraries.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute positively to research group, School, and Centre activities.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

Position description: PD - Research Associate (522710).pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Chao Sun at chao.sun@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday, 23 March 2026.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.