(Level A) $81,293 - $109,307, (Level B) $114,917 - $135,932 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation.

Fulltime, fixed term position, available for 24 months.

Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (Level A/B) to take the lead in conducting fundamental and demand-driven research on modelling and analysis of complex social networks.

This line of research is broadly focused on modelling, analysis and estimation of complex network models in the context of social influence (e.g. opinion dynamics or collective action) and the public information environment (e.g. social media and mis/disinformation).

In this project, you will be expected to carry out project-based research for 0.2 – 0.4 FTE (to be negotiated) at the direction of the Chief Investigators in projects involving multiple disciplines (social psychology, behavioural sciences) as well as industry partners. The remainder of the time is devoted to fundamental research and publishing findings. Topics for the fundamental research component are broader and more flexible, can be proposed independently (with refinement in collaboration with the supervisors), and is led by the successful candidate.

A range of methodology is expected to be utilised, based on the particular problem of interest. These include mathematical analysis, numerical simulations, computational and data science approaches, natural language processing, etc. Depending on the specific findings, research outputs are targeted at traditional domains (applied mathematics, data science, systems and control theory), multidisciplinary journals for a broad scientific audience, as well as discipline-specific journals in other domains (e.g. cognitive science, psychology)

Please note, due to the funding source, there is a requirement for candidates to either be an Australian Citizen, a New Zealand Citizen, or hold Australia Permanent Residency. Eligibility to obtain a National Police Check is essential. Eligibility and willingness to apply for an Australian Security Clearance is highly desirable.

To be successful you will need:

Level A

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, data science, physics, or a related area.
• Strong academic track record (including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations) and ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to carry out research in complex networks, dynamical systems, agent-based modelling, social network analysis, data science, or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to work under direction on specified demand-driven problems.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable Criteria:

• Interest in application of research to Defence and Intelligence domains, and collaboration with industry
• Familiarity with formal mathematical proofs and analytical methods, or numerical simulations, or data integration, or natural language processing.

Level B

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, data science, physics, or a related area.
• Outstanding academic track record (including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations) and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out research in complex networks, dynamical systems, agent-based modelling, social network analysis, data science.
• Demonstrated ability to work under direction, as a member of a multidisciplinary research team, on specified demand-driven problems.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to audiences of different technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in application of research to Defence and Intelligence domains, and collaboration with industry
• Experience in formal mathematical proofs and analytical methods, numerical simulations, data integration, natural language processing
• Interest in understanding and contributing to literature in sociology, psychology, behavioural and cognitive sciences.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 21 November 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr. Mengbin (Ben) Ye
Senior Lecturer/ARC DECRA Fellow
E: ben.ye@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full selection criteria document below.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

Download the Position Description Apply now