Director of the Responsible AI Research Centre (Level E) & Professorial Research Fellow (Machine Learning/AI) Full-time

Director of the Responsible AI Research Centre (Level E) & Professorial Research Fellow (Machine Learning/AI)

The University of Adelaide is seeking to appoint an academic research leader of international standing to join the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) as a Professorial Research Fellow in Machine Learning/AI within the Responsible AI Research (RAIR) Centre as the Director.

The RAIR Centre is a partnership between AIML, CSIRO's Data61 and the South Australian Government, and combines AIML's expertise in machine learning research and translation with strengths in Software Engineering for AI (SE4AI) in CSIRO's Data61. It is positioned to address fundamental responsible AI problems at a sufficient scale to have national and international impact. The RAIR Centre's vision includes pushing the boundaries of responsible AI innovation and making responsible AI a competitive advantage of Australian industry and government.

Reporting to the Director of AIML, the RAIR Centre Director will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Centre, engaging with key external stakeholders in government and industries in South Australia, and overseeing Centre performance. The appointee will also be supported to establish and build a dynamic research program in machine learning or artificial intelligence as a Professorial Research Fellow in AIML.

To be successful you will need:

1. A doctorate (or equivalent) and research experience in computer science, machine learning, AI/software engineering or a discipline relevant to the core business of the RAIR Centre.
2. A leadership style that fosters collaboration, inclusion, respect and team development, with a track record of leading diverse, high-performing teams.
3. A record of sustained research excellence at an international level, including development and leadership of a multi-discipline research program or Centre, supported by funding from different sources.
4. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful external relationships with a diverse range of academic and non-academic partners including government departments, research organisations and/or industry.
5. A strong commitment to research excellence, innovation and continuous improvement of research performance.

The successful candidate will be required to have or obtain a satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Check.

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.

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.

Your division's broader role

The Division of Research and Innovation leads the University's research strategic planning. It manages research, partnerships, prioritises investment in strategic initiatives, and responds to changes in the external environment.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/research/about-us/

AIML is the largest University based computer vision and machine learning research group in Australia, with over two hundred members including academics, engineers, research staff and students. AIML works on a mixture of fundamental and commercially orientated research projects in computer vision, natural language processing and machine learning.

CSIRO's Data61 is the data and digital specialist arm of Australia's national science agency. They are home to one of the largest collections of research and development expertise in AI and data science in the world, and host cutting-edge facilities including the Mixed Reality Lab, Robotics Innovation Centre and AI4Cyber Enclave. Research expertise includes AI, robotics, cybersecurity, modelling and analytics.

Our commitment to equity and inclusion

Adelaide University is committed to proactively addressing cultural and structural barriers to equity across the organisation. To support the growth and diversity of our talent, we pledge to actively seek out and encourage more women to participate in our recruitment processes. AIML is strongly committed to supporting diversity and flexibility in the workplace. Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be fully considered subject to meeting the inherent requirements of the position.

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

How to apply

We are partnering with Perrett Laver as our executive search partner for this role. To apply all applications need to be directed to Perrett Laver – The link to apply is https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/5082faf6-295d-08e4-321e-3a1c71556ce6 and you will be taken to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter and resume.

Applications close 9am AEST, Monday 20th October 2025.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, or for any questions regarding your application please contact: Tadhg Waddington Tadhg.Waddington@perrettlaver.com

This is a newly created position in a dual role as Director of the Responsible AI Research Centre (Level E) & Professorial Research Fellow (Machine Learning/AI)

Total salary package offered is negotiable, depending on the applicant's qualifications and experience plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, for 3 years

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 the time of application.