Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne

Employer: The University of Melbourne
Location: Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Salary: A$87,266–A$176,065 per year + 17% superannuation
Employment: Full-time, fixed-term until November 2027
Visa Support: Possible
Job Reference: JR-018549

About the Role

The University of Melbourne is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow for its Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. You’ll join an international research project focused on securing AI agents with formally verified seL4-based reference monitors. The work combines formal methods, security, automated reasoning and AI.

The position is full-time and fixed-term until November 2027, although part-time work may be considered. You’ll help develop AI-assisted verification techniques, contribute to large Isabelle/HOL proof engineering, publish research and work with academic, government and industry partners.

Why This Research Matters

AI systems are becoming more capable, but proving that they behave safely is a difficult technical problem. This project looks at secure containment for AI agents and uses the seL4 microkernel and formal verification to build stronger guarantees.

You’ll be part of work that connects established formal methods with newer AI-assisted approaches. Instead of treating AI as a black box, the project aims to develop tools and techniques that can help researchers maintain and evolve large formal proofs. That makes the role particularly relevant to researchers interested in trustworthy AI, high-assurance software and automated reasoning.

Primary Responsibilities

Your work will focus on practical research that helps make advanced AI systems safer and easier to verify. Key duties include:

• Designing and verifying seL4-based reference monitors and mechanisms for secure AI-agent containment.
• Developing AI-assisted verification methods and AI proof agents for large-scale Isabelle/HOL proof maintenance and evolution.
• Publishing research in strong academic venues and presenting findings at conferences.
• Preparing project reports, research outputs and other deliverables with collaborators.
• Supervising and mentoring students and junior researchers in formal methods and automated reasoning.
• Working with national and international partners across academia, government and industry.
• Contributing to grant proposals, outreach and wider Faculty or departmental activities.

Qualifications

You’ll normally need a PhD in formal methods, automated reasoning or a closely related discipline. The University is looking for evidence of research ability that matches the level you’re applying for, including a strong publication record for your career stage.

Relevant technical experience may include interactive theorem proving, formal verification, security foundations, automated reasoning or AI-assisted reasoning. You should also be comfortable analysing technical problems, managing research data and keeping accurate research records.

Strong written and spoken communication matters because you’ll need to explain complex technical ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. The role also suits someone who can work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.

Licences & Requirements

A Working with Children Check is required for all positions at the University of Melbourne. If you’re successful, the University will guide you through the process and reimburse the cost.

You must also provide the documents requested during recruitment and have appropriate Australian work rights before employment begins. For international applicants, the University says visa sponsorship is possible for this position, although preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately.

Your application must include an up-to-date resume, a cover letter explaining your interest and experience, and responses to the Selection Criteria in the position description.

Job Snapshot

Your New Team

You’ll join the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology’s formal methods and security community. The team works across computing, AI and systems and collaborates with national and international research partners.

The position is connected to the Agentic seL4 project and offers access to an international research environment, mentoring, seminars, technical infrastructure and collaborative networks. Depending on your level and experience, you’ll have opportunities to contribute independently while also helping develop students and junior researchers.

Research Outputs and Collaboration

The University expects the successful researcher to contribute to high-quality research outputs rather than only supporting existing work. You’ll be expected to publish findings, present research at leading conferences and contribute to collaborative reports and project deliverables.

The role also involves working beyond the immediate research group. You may contribute to grant proposals, outreach activities and collaborations involving universities, government organisations and industry partners. Clear communication is therefore important alongside technical research ability.

What’s on Offer

This role gives you the chance to work on a research problem at the intersection of AI, security and formal verification. You’ll work with researchers and international partners on the Agentic seL4 project while building experience in AI-assisted proof engineering and high-assurance systems.

The University also provides 17% superannuation, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, salary packaging and a range of health and wellbeing services. Staff can access learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, leadership programs and discounted services.

Visa Sponsorship & Relocation

International applicants can apply. The University of Melbourne states that visa sponsorship may be available for eligible overseas candidates, and its Global Mobility team supports visa pathways with specialist immigration advisers.

For this specific vacancy, the employer states that visa sponsorship is possible but that preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately. Any visa offer remains subject to the relevant Australian work-visa requirements and approval.

The University also notes that relocation and visa-related support may be available for some appointments. Details are normally discussed during recruitment and the offer process.

Who This Job Suits

This vacancy is aimed at researchers with a strong background in formal methods, automated reasoning, security or related areas. It could suit you if you have worked with interactive theorem proving, formal verification, Isabelle/HOL, seL4 or AI-assisted reasoning and can show clear research outputs.

You should be comfortable moving between independent research and collaborative project work. The role also suits researchers who enjoy mentoring students, presenting technical findings and turning complex research problems into practical verification methods.

Application Tips

Before applying, read the Position Description and address each Selection Criterion separately. Use specific examples rather than simply listing skills. For example, if you have worked on formal verification, explain the system or problem you verified, the methods or tools you used and what the work produced.

Your cover letter should make the connection between your research background and the Agentic seL4 project clear. If you have publications, conference presentations, proof-engineering experience or related research software, make those results easy for the selection panel to find.

International candidates should also make their availability clear because the employer has stated that preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately. Visa sponsorship is possible, but it is not an automatic entitlement and depends on eligibility and the University’s assessment of the appointment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Melbourne’s careers system. The application requires your resume, cover letter and responses to the Selection Criteria in the Position Description.

Use the exact application page below rather than applying through a general jobs page. Before submitting, make sure your documents clearly connect your research experience to formal verification, automated reasoning, security, AI-assisted reasoning or another relevant area.

For questions about the specific position, contact Toby Murray at toby.murray@unimelb.edu.au. For recruitment-process questions, contact Nick Petersen at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. Recruitment adjustments can be requested from Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or the same HR email.

Job Reference: JR-018549

FAQs

1. What is the job title?
The vacancy covers three academic levels: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow.

2. Where is the job based?
The role is based at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

3. Is the position full-time?
Yes. It is advertised as full-time, with part-time work also considered.

4. How long is the contract?
The appointment is fixed-term until November 2027.

5. What is the salary?
Salary depends on the academic level: A$87,266–A$118,416 at Level A, A$124,656–A$148,023 at Level B, or A$152,695–A$176,065 at Level C, plus 17% superannuation.

6. Is visa sponsorship available?
Yes. The vacancy states that visa sponsorship is possible. Preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately.

7. What qualification is required?
A PhD in formal methods, automated reasoning or a closely related discipline is listed as a key requirement.

8. What research areas are relevant?
Relevant experience can include interactive theorem proving, formal verification, security foundations, automated reasoning and AI-assisted reasoning.

9. What documents should I submit?
You should upload your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and your responses to the Selection Criteria from the Position Description.

10. When does the application close?
The listing states that applications close on Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 11:55 PM Melbourne time. Check the live application page before submitting in case the closing information changes.

11. Who can I contact about the role?
For position-specific questions, contact Toby Murray at toby.murray@unimelb.edu.au. Recruitment questions can be sent to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au.

12. Is a Working with Children Check required?
Yes. The University states that a Working with Children Check is required for all positions. Successful candidates will be guided through the process and reimbursed.

Apply Now

Ready to apply? Submit your application through the University of Melbourne Workday application page for Job Reference JR-018549.

No agent is required to submit the application. Use the University’s application portal and upload the required documents directly.