Full time fixed term for 12 months at Camperdown Campus
Opportunity to join a pioneering research program focused on digital innovation, quantum-enhanced modelling, and resilient infrastructure systems
Base Salary Level A, $117,936 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney is a leading hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering, systems thinking, and digital infrastructure innovation. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) to join a new research initiative focused on next generation digital twin capability for complex urban and infrastructure and urban systems.

Working under the supervision of Professor David Levinson, the successful candidate will contribute to the development of hybrid quantum–classical modelling approaches that support improved analysis, simulation, optimisation, and decision making under uncertainty. The role will suit a researcher with strong technical capability in quantum computing, data-driven modelling, infrastructure systems, computational optimisation, simulation, probabilistic methods, or related areas.

This project is part of an ambitious research program across the Schools of Civil Engineering and Project Management. The appointee will conduct original research, contribute to prototype development, prepare high-quality publications, work collaboratively across engineering and related disciplines, and support engagement with academic, government, industry, and community stakeholders. The position offers a strong opportunity for career development, interdisciplinary collaboration, grant development, research translation, and engagement with a growing research program in resilient, intelligent, and data-informed infrastructure systems.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

conduct high-quality research in quantum-enabled computational approaches for digital twins and complex system simulations
develop, implement, test, and benchmark computational models, algorithms, data pipelines, and research software prototypes
contribute to optimisation, simulation, sampling, or uncertainty-modelling approaches for complex systems
analyse infrastructure, spatial, temporal, networked, or urban systems data
contribute to the preparation and submission of journal articles, conference papers, technical reports, and research outputs
collaborate with interdisciplinary scholars across engineering, design, planning, computing, and related research domains
contribute to stakeholder engagement activities, including workshops, research presentations, and partner-facing materials
assist with the development of competitive grant applications and future external funding opportunities

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Applied Quantum Computing Research

who has:

a PhD or near-completed PhD in quantum mechanics, quantum computing, computer science, data science, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
demonstrated ability to conduct independent, high-quality research appropriate to career stage
evidence of a developing research profile, including publications record in a relevant field
strong programming and computational research skills, such as Python, R, Julia, MATLAB, R, C/C++, or equivalent
research expertise in one or more of the following: quantum computing, quantum optimisation, digital twins, infrastructure modelling, mathematical optimisation, hybrid quantum–classical modelling, simulation, probabilistic modelling, infrastructure systems modelling, or research software development
ability to develop, implement, test, and benchmark computational methods
ability and interest in conducting interdisciplinary research and working effectively across disciplinary and stakeholder boundaries
demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
excellent communication skills

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected] .

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 28 July 2026 11:59 PM