Level B at $114,917 to $135,932 per annum, plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

2 Fixed-term position available for up to 24 months. Flexible work arrangements can be negotiated with the right candidate.

Be part of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning -- the largest computer vision and machine learning research group in Australia -- and contribute to world-leading research projects at the CommBank Centre for Foundational AI

This postdoctoral research position is part of the exciting new five-year partnership between the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) at the University of Adelaide. The partnership aims to boost foundational AI research in Australia, focusing on areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning.

This role offers the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer vision, natural language processing, and financial technologies. The successful candidate will work directly with AIML Senior Researcher, Dr Hemanth Saratchandran, AIML Director Simon Lucey, and AIML Chief Scientist, Prof Anton van den Hengel, their research team, and CommBank representatives to publish high-impact research and develop innovative AI solutions for the financial sector.

The tasks of the postdoctoral researcher (innovation) will include:

• Conduct world-class research in foundational AI, with a focus on applications in the financial sector.
• Develop innovative algorithms, machine learning models, and AI systems that address real-world challenges in banking and finance.
• Collaborate closely with CommBank representatives to understand industry needs and translate research into practical solutions.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals in AI, machine learning, and related fields.
• Contribute to the development of prototypes and proof-of-concept systems that demonstrate the potential of AI in financial services.
• Participate in regular meetings and workshops with CommBank to ensure alignment between research goals and industry needs.
• Mentor junior researchers and PhD students working on related projects within the partnership.

Outputs will include:

• Research publications in high-quality journals and conferences.
• Innovative AI solutions and prototypes addressing specific challenges in the financial sector.
• Regular progress reports and presentations to both AIML and CommBank stakeholders. Innovative AI solutions and prototypes addressing specific challenges in the financial sector.
• Regular progress reports and presentations to both AIML and CommBank stakeholders.

To be successful you will need:

• A PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or other Machine Learning-related field.
• Programming experience in Matlab, Python, C++ or other relevant language and experience in deep neural networks.
• Experience and demonstratable knowledge in deep learning, transformer networks, and implicit neural functions. Strong math skills in matrix calculus, and the foundational aspects of modern deep learning.
• A strong work ethic, and the ability to work well independently, and as a member of a broader team, including with industrial partners
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with an ability to communicate scientific ideas to an expert audience.
• Commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable characteristics:

• Experience in large data sets and their platforms/tools, cloud-based architectures, and deployment frameworks for machine learning algorithms.
• An outstanding publication record in top tier machine learning and/or computer vision conferences or journals, commensurate with experience and opportunity.

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

AIML is Australia’s leading research institute in machine learning and artificial intelligence. AIML’s computer vision research is among the best in the world. With world-leading researchers, modern facilities and an innovative culture, we’re committed to delivering research that is highly valued by our local and global communities. Located at Lot Fourteen, Adelaide, AIML is the largest computer vision and machine learning group in Australia with more than 170 members including academics, research staff, and students. The institute works on a mixture of fundamental and commercially oriented research projects in computer vision and machine learning. Find out more at www.adelaide.edu.au/aiml

The Commbank Centre for Foundational AI aims to keep Australia at the forefront of foundational machine learning and AI innovation, creating a competitive edge in harnessing AI technology and fostering foundational research into new machine learning methods while exploring real-world application in finance and other industries. For CommBank, this research could unlock further improvements to fraud detection to keep customers' money and data safe, while identifying new ways to create personalised and secure banking experiences. Find out more at https://www.adelaide.edu.au/aiml/our-key-initiatives/commbank-centre-for-foundational-ai-research

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - 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. Flexible working arrangements are on offer for all roles at the University.

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

As a member of Australia’s G08, the University of Adelaide is recognised as one of the nation’s most respected research-intensive universities, challenging and inspiring graduates to make a real difference. The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) holds an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and quality graduates. Comprised of eight schools, 21 centres and five institutes, the Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching over 8,500 students across our three campuses, North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy, and has an annual budget of $300 million. The faculty is a significant contributor to the University’s research reputation, earning annual research revenue above $120 million. Many of our research areas have achieved a world-class research rating of 5 in the 2018 ERA rankings. The faculty is responsible for teaching and research across wide range of disciplines including Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Architecture, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Agriculture, Food and Wine and Animal and Veterinary Science. The Faculty of SET is an innovative and agile working environment that champions excellence, diversity and inclusion in our teaching, research, and global engagement leadership.

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 position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, Thursday 26 June 2025.

For further information:

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Jessica Cortazzo
Manager, Project and Strategic Partnerships
Program Manager, CommBank Centre for Foundational AI Research
E: jessica.cortazzo@adelaide.edu.au

You’ll find a full selection criteria document below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device or in a different web browser)

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

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