Research Associate

Research Associate

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
• Perth, Western Australia
• Contract Full Time

Date posted: 25/5/2026

• 12-month fixed term, full-time contract based at Bentley Campus
• Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025)
• Diverse & dynamic team fostering innovation, collaboration & sustainability

Job Reference: 1610540

About the Project:

This project focuses on the development of AI-assisted digital twin systems to improve the performance and safety of road infrastructure. It aims to deliver next-generation road barrier designs by integrating robotic systems, advanced sensing technologies, and intelligent data pipelines to support real-time monitoring and predictive simulation.

By combining AI, robotics, and infrastructure engineering, the research will enable smarter validation and optimisation of road safety systems, contributing to national road safety priorities and real-world impact.

About the Role:

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our interdisciplinary team. You will contribute to the development of AI-enabled digital systems, with a focus on robotic control, visual sensing, and field-based data acquisition in dynamic environments.

You will work across both computational and field-based settings, supporting on-site deployment, system integration, and high-quality research outputs.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in emerging AI and robotics applications for infrastructure, working closely with academic and industry collaborators.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting high-quality research in AI-driven digital twin and intelligent infrastructure systems
• Designing and implementing robotic control and autonomous data acquisition systems
• Developing and integrating visual sensing technologies for monitoring applications
• Supporting field deployments and data collection across metropolitan and remote sites
• Analysing and interpreting data, and preparing technical reports
• Contributing to publications in leading journals and presenting research outcomes
• Participating in team discussions, project planning, and collaborative activities.

Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria):

Essential:

• PhD in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science or a related discipline (or near completion)
• Demonstrated research experience, with evidence of (or potential for) publication in high-quality journals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++
• Experience or knowledge in robotics, control systems, or autonomous operation algorithms
• Experience or exposure to visual sensing systems or intelligent data acquisition
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment and with a range of industry partners.

Desirable:

• Experience in field-based engineering or on-site data collection
• Exposure to infrastructure systems, digital twin technologies, or civil engineering applications

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require work rights that match the tenure of the role. We may also consider candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork, including travel to regional and remote sites (e.g. Pilbara).

Your new Team – School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering:

The School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and high-quality research in civil and mechanical engineering. The Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring and Protection (CIMP) focuses on advancing research in infrastructure monitoring, protection, and smart system development across a range of critical applications.

The School of CME is a collegial working environment, which undertakes outstanding theoretical and applied research, and runs highly regarded and popular teaching programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge, and capability of all our staff. We embrace flexibility to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

To learn more about the school, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/school-of-civil-mechanical-engineering/.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

This one-year, fixed term, full-time ALA level role attracts a remuneration of $83,371 - $112,487 (ALA) + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Monday, 8 June, 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.