Postdoctoral | Science Digital | Natural Language Processing

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CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How we can thrive together to solve Australia's data-driven challenges

•    Data61 are at the digital and data heart of Australia's national science agency - CSIRO 
•    Working collaboratively with the largest group of digital technology researchers in Australia 
•    A unique opportunity to seamlessly work across disciplinary boundaries and make an impact at a national scale! 

Life at Data61 and how you can be part of our Science Digital program

CSIRO’s Data61 is at the forefront of digital science and innovation. Data61 is guiding first class novel research as well as working across disciplines and sectors to apply technologies and deliver impact.

We are seeking creative and agile early career researchers to help us revolutionise the way that science is done. By applying AI and digital technologies to real research, we want to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and help researchers achieve their best results.

Science Digital aims remake the process of scientific discovery by enhancing research, development and commercialisation with artificial intelligence. From the formation of a hypothesis to the design and running of an experiment, AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) can both accelerate and alter the process of inquiry. 

Science Digital CERC Fellows will be embedded in agile teams and hence they will adopt suitable research methods in their work as Science Digital researchers and engineers. Working with larger teams to be constantly running experiments and learning for the wider mission of remaking the process of scientific discovery.

The opportunities that we are offering

These Science Digital CERC Fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of AI enhanced scientific discovery through:

• A differentiated career development program to deliver capability excellence and breadth across all facets of the national innovation system to enhance scientific discovery.  
• Research training via strategic research and development projects with a clear focus that will deliver real impact through science and engineering excellence in the scientific discovery process.  
• An innovative culture supporting the development and demonstration of original thinking and expertise leading to peer-recognition.  
• Opportunities to develop effective agile NLP research methodologies as part of  agile software development teams to advance new forms of scientific discovery.  
• Opportunities to develop skills and experience in collaborative research teams to effectively work within national and global multi/transdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder environments. 

Should your application be successful, you will be appointed for three years, contribute to research and prototype development, and will be at the forefront of novel and world class research in our new Science Digital initiative collaborating with other CSIRO researchers.

Location: All Capital Cities (Australia)
Salary: AU$89680 - AU$101459 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 94524

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

About you

We are interested in hearing from people who can demonstrate the following:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD). The doctorate must be in a relevant discipline area to Science Digital (CERC Postdoctoral Fellow). Or hold an engineering degree plus a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng) qualifications plus equivalent levels of original and significant contributions to research and development to that expected of someone of a new PhD graduate (CERC Engineering Fellow).  

Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or full time equivalent) of relevant research experience. 

• Demonstrated experience in in conducting NLP research activities in a topic relevant to improving the process of scientific discovery. (note: other Science Digital roles exist which focus on other aspects of the research beyond NLP).  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a research team, development team or product team.   
• Demonstrated experience in designing and assembling prototype software systems. 
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. 

Who is eligible to express their interest

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Where to from here

If you are interested in Natural Language Processing opportunities within Data61’s  Science Digital initiative, and meet the above candidate requirements, please apply to register your interest!  If you prefer to have an informal chat before putting in your EOI (Expression of Interest), you can contact [email protected]. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates, are also welcome to contact our Indigenous Talent lead at [email protected] for more information.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Who will view my EOI

Data61 Research Directors, Group Leaders and Talent Acquisition are partnering together to review your expression of interest. We are excited to hear from you and will be in touch with you over the coming weeks where there is a potential match to an opportunity that may be your future role!

Applications Close

30th October 2023, 11:00pm AEST