Research Associate - Artificial Intelligence and UAV Navigation

mq; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking options

Flexible working options

Training and professional development

Onsite childcare facilities

Discounted health insurance (Medibank)

Onsite vacation care

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidised membership at the Sport & A

Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

Job summary

Macquarie University seeks a research associate to contribute to UAV navigation research, developing deployable software for UAVs and advancing AI for navigation and planning.

The role blends software engineering with AI research, offering opportunities to translate cutting-edge work into practical UAV applications within a dynamic AI research group.

Qualifications

• You are a rare mix of a software engineer who has expertise in UAVs and/or robotics and someone who has research experience in that AI space and an ability to translate cutting-edge research into application.

Responsibilities

• Developing software that can be deployed to UAVs.
• Carrying out research relevant to the above, in particular in the space of AI for UAV navigation.
• Taking part in regular project-related meetings.

Skills

Software engineering

UAVs

Robotics

AI research

Job description

• Salary package: From $89,579 (ACA Level A.1) to $108,517 (ACA Level A.5) per annum, plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Employment Type: Full-time, fixed term appointment until September 2027
• Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled research associate to contribute to a project in the space of navigation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

This role provides the opportunity to develop both software engineering skills and research expertise in various subareas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as computer vision, navigation and planning.

• Developing software that can be deployed to UAVs.
• Carrying out research relevant to the above, in particular in the space of AI for UAV navigation.
• Taking part in regular project-related meetings.

About You

You are a rare mix of a software engineer who has expertise in UAVs and/or robotics and someone who has research experience in that AI space and an ability to translate cutting-edge research into application.

About Us

This project is led by the University of Wollongong. At Macquarie University, the work package associated with this position is led by Professor Mark Dras in the School of Computing, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Professor Dras leads a very active AI research group and has a strong interest in supporting its members enhance their careers.

Applications Close

Sunday 11 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. We also reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a sufficient number of qualified applicants is received.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University has a goal to increase the engagement of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds in STEMM roles.

Applications are considered holistically, and candidates are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not meet each individual selection criterion.

Specific Role Requirements

As a standard condition of participation in this project, applicants must be citizens of a Five Eyes or NATO member country. Applicants with other citizenships may be considered, subject to funder approval being obtained.

The successful candidate must also be able to work within any applicable project confidentiality, contracting and security requirements.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a National Police/ Criminal History Check and a qualification check. An international police/ criminal history check may also be required, depending on the candidate's circumstances.

*** Appointment will also be subject to compliance with applicable Defence-related legislation and project security requirements, including Defence Export Controls and Safeguarding Australia's Military Secrets legislation where relevant.

Role-specific Enquiries: Professor Mark Dras at [e-mail]

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

Why work at Macquarie

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.

• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Flexible working options
• Training and professional development
• Onsite childcare facilities
• Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
• Onsite vacation care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

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