"Research Associate/Fellow in Planetary Robots"

Full time, fixed term for 2 years

Be part of the Moon to Mars Initiative

Base Salary $113,400 - $132,212 + 17% superannuation

The Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney is partnering with EPE Oceania and the ELO2 Consortium to advance Australia's space capabilities as part of the Moon to Mars Initiative. We are seeking two innovative and driven Research Associate/Fellow in Planetary Robots (Level A or B depending on experience) to contribute to cutting-edge research in autonomous navigation and mission operations systems, with the goal of delivering operational capabilities for the Roo-ver lunar mission https://www.elo2.au.

The Research Associate/Fellow in Planetary Robots will contribute to the development and deployment of advanced autonomous systems for lunar rover operations, integrating navigation, environmental sensing, and mission-critical decision-making technologies. Working within Australia's premier space robotics initiative, these positions combine research excellence with practical impact, bridging academia and industry in Australia's most ambitious lunar exploration project.

Key technologies include:

• autonomous path planning algorithms for GPS-denied lunar environments and extreme operational conditions
• stochastic optimisation frameworks for mission-critical decision-making under uncertainty

Research areas and technical challenges:

Successful candidates will contribute to one or more of the following research domains:

• development of autonomous navigation and path planning algorithms for lunar terrain traversal and regolith sampling missions
• design of machine learning systems for real-time obstacle detection, terrain analysis, and environmental adaptation in extreme environments
• implementation of multi-constraint optimisation including line-of-sight maintenance, energy efficiency, thermal management, and communication protocols
• integration of autonomous systems with broader rover capabilities including power management, thermal control, and payload operations.

Collaboration and impact:

Researchers will work closely with EPE Oceania, Lunar Outpost Oceania, and other ELO2 Consortium members to ensure research innovations address real mission requirements. This includes adapting algorithms to lunar surface conditions, optimising operations for 24/7 mission control, and delivering flight-ready systems that meet NASA and ASA mission standards.

Core challenges:

• translating advanced algorithms into field deployable and operational systems
• managing complex technical integration across multiple consortium partners and international stakeholders
• collaborating with industry partners and government agencies to meet mission-critical requirements
• balancing innovation with mission-critical reliability and space environment constraints.

About you:

We are looking for researchers with a strong technical background and a passion for space exploration and autonomous systems. Key attributes include:

• a PhD in Mechatronics, Computer Science or a related field with a focus on algorithmic software design, development and deployment
• a proven track record in robotics, autonomous navigation, optimisation, mission operations, or space systems research
• experience with autonomous systems, algorithm development, or mission-critical optimisation software in challenging environments
• strong collaborative and communication skills for working in multidisciplinary teams
• demonstrated ability to translate research into practical, deployable solutions
• early Level B appointments are possible for candidates that have demonstrated 1-2 years of postdoctoral experience in this or related area, with field / practical experience.

Relevant technical expertise may include:

• path planning algorithms and autonomous navigation
• stochastic optimisation and decision-making under uncertainty
• mission operations software and systems engineering
• space systems and mission-critical software development.

What we offer:

• opportunities to contribute to Australia's premier lunar robotics mission with global significance
• collaboration with world-class space industry partners, government agencies, and international space organisations
• access to state-of-the-art robotics platforms and space mission infrastructure
• direct contribution to Australia's Moon to Mars Initiative and national space capabilities.

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.