Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow

Role type:  Full time, Fixed-term until November 2027 (part-time considered)
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Salary: Level A - $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super 
Level B - $124,656 - $148,023 p.a. plus 17% super 
Level C - $152,695 - $176,065 p.a. plus 17% super

- Work on secure containment for AI agents atop seL4 / collaborate with world-leading formal methods experts / shape next-generation AI-assisted verification tools
- Apply now to help build safer AI systems and advanced verification methods within a dynamic international research team.
- Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne  
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity  
You will join an international project securing AI agents using formally verified seL4-based reference monitors.
You will develop AI-assisted verification techniques and contribute to large-scale Isabelle/HOL proof engineering.
You will also gain experience supervising students and collaborating across academia, government and industry.

What you will deliver:

- Advance research on secure AI containment by designing and verifying seL4-based reference monitors and mechanisms.
- Develop AI-assisted verification methods and AI proof agents to support large-scale Isabelle/HOL proof maintenance and evolution.
- Publish high-quality research, present findings at leading conferences, and contribute to collaborative project reports and deliverables.
- Supervise and mentor students and junior researchers, fostering capability in formal methods and automated reasoning.
- Collaborate with national and international partners, and contribute to grant proposals, outreach and broader departmental activities.

You may be a great fit if you:

- Hold a PhD in formal methods, automated reasoning, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate a strong publication record in leading venues, commensurate with experience and opportunity.
- Bring expertise in areas such as interactive theorem proving, formal verification, security foundations or AI-assisted reasoning.
- Exhibit excellent analytical, problem-solving and data management skills, with meticulous research record keeping.
- Communicate complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and in person.
- Thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams and show initiative in leading projects or supervising students.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!  
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave

- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company

- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
You will join the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology’s vibrant formal methods and security community. Our researchers collaborate across computing, AI and systems to build trustworthy, high-assurance technologies with real-world impact. You will work closely with leading academics and international partners on the Agentic seL4 project. Benefit from strong mentoring, seminar programmes and access to advanced tools, infrastructure and collaborative networks.

Be Yourself  
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants  
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected] .

Application essentials:

- Visit "apply with us" (https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/apply-with-us) to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
- Visa sponsorship is possible; however preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately.
- A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
- Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
- Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

- For queries related to this specific position, contact Toby Murray at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
- For questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
- For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: Saturday October 24 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Descriptions

Word: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Toby Murray) PD.docx

PDF: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Toby Murray) PD.pdf