Research Associate - UNSW Face Research Lab

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Psychology at UNSW is the leading Psychology school in Australia. It is located in the Faculty of Science and is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching.  It offers world class undergraduate psychology degrees, as well as postgraduate professional Masters training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, an online Graduate Diploma program, and a PhD research program with over 120 students. 40 academic staff conduct experimental research in many areas of Psychology, including behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning, memory and cognition, as well as health, social, developmental, clinical and forensic psychology. UNSW Psychology is the only School in the southern hemisphere ranked in the top 30 by discipline in the THES, QS and ARWU rankings. The School has well equipped research and teaching facilities and attracts outstanding staff and students from Australia and overseas. UNSW is located 5 km from the centre of Sydney and is close to other research centres, teaching hospitals, transport, shopping, and beaches.

For further information about the school please visit www.psychology.unsw.edu.au

The Research Associate works within the UNSW Face Research lab located in the School of Psychology at UNSW and is responsible for taking a leading role in a collaborative ARC Discovery Project aiming to understand human perception of AI-generated faces. This role participates in shaping the direction of research in collaboration with the project team at UNSW (Psychology and Computer Science), Australia National University and international collaborators.    

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About the role

• LEVEL A - $113k - $121k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 18 Months
• Full time (35 hours)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Conduct collaborative interdisciplinary research in the area of AI-face generation.
• Carry-out behavioural and computational studies/ performance testing using machine learning and deep learning technologies aimed at understanding the representational underpinnings of Ai-face generation tools.
• Collect, curate and maintain a large scale database of face images and associated metadata.
• Coordinate behavioural and computational research activities of the project team members at UNSW Psychology, UNSW Computer Science and ANU.
• Maintain effective communication and reporting of study outcomes to the project team including international collaborators.
• Maintain oversight of cutting-edge in deep learning technologies and evaluate their potential use to address project aims (e.g. vision language models).
• Under guidance from the research team and a broader network of collaborators, develop innovative, efficient and reproducible computational solutions that support experimental protocols, analysis and other research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes at local, national and international scientific conferences and industry events.
• Lead in the preparation of reports of research activities and findings to the project team.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-ranking scientific journals.
• Conduct literature reviews to synthesise knowledge in areas that are strategically important to the project.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Seek out mentorship opportunities from the wider network of researchers in the field, to develop an independent academic career.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria) 

• A PhD in Computer Science, Psychology or other related Cognitive/ Neural Sciences.
• Strong computational expertise and understanding of deep learning and/or machine learning approaches including cutting-edge technologies such as foundation models.
• Knowledge of human behavioural research at the intersection of psychology and computer science (e.g. Explainable AI, computational modelling of brain/ cognitive systems).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.
• Initiative, leadership potential and a willingness to tackle challenging problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across organisations and disciplines, and build effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience in data analysis and development of experimental research protocols.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
David White
E: ***********@unsw.edu.au Applications close: September 3rd, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.