Research Associate

• Two-year fixed term, full-time contract based at Bentley Campus
• Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (ARWU 2025)
• Diverse & dynamic team fostering innovation, collaboration & sustainability

Job Reference: 1601218

About the Project:

The project aims to develop advanced deep learning methods for automated bridge inspection, condition assessment, and long‑term structural performance prediction. Working at the intersection of civil engineering, deep learning, and infrastructure asset management, you will contribute to research with direct impact on real‑world civil infrastructures.

About the Role:

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our interdisciplinary team. You will lead research on developing advanced deep learning model for structural health monitoring, with a focus on bridge inspection and monitoring systems.

You will contribute to algorithm development, data analysis, field-based validation, and high‑quality publications. You will also support the preparation of external research funding applications to extend and scale the project’s outcomes.

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to work on a high‑impact ARC Discovery Project with strong industry relevance, where you will gain access to real‑world structural monitoring datasets and field sites in a supportive research environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting high‑quality research in physics‑informed neural networks, and deep learning for structural health monitoring.
• Analysing and interpreting experimental data and preparing regular progress reports.
• Developing and evaluating models for bridge inspection, damage detection, and long‑term performance prediction.
• Contributing to research publications in leading journals and presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
• Contributing to the supervision of HDR students and research assistants.
• Participating in team discussions, brainstorming sessions, and project planning meetings.

Who we are looking for (Selection Criteria):

• PhD in Civil / Structural Engineering (or very near completion/conferral)
• Demonstrated research experience in deep learning and computer vision techniques for structural health monitoring.
• Demonstrated potential to secure external competitive research funding.
• Emerging publication record relative to career stage and opportunity
• Ability to work collaboratively with industry partners and multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge and understanding of structural vibration testing, long-term structural monitoring data processing, and condition assessment research.

Role Requirements: (Remove what is not required)

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require work rights that match the tenure of the role. We invite applications from Australian citizens, Permanent Residents and temporary visa holders.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction.

Your new Team – School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering:

The School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and high-quality research in civil and mechanical engineering. The Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring and Protection (CIMP) is built to focus, enhance and enrich the research strengths of Civil and Structural Engineering in Curtin University. CIMP will target and solve such challenges across a broad range of important applications; e.g. climate change adaptation for civil infrastructure, hazard mitigation, structural condition monitoring, structural design to resist blast and earthquake loading, and structure rehabilitation and protection.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment in which all people feel respected, valued and safe. Curtin is dedicated to promoting gender equity and inclusivity in all areas. We are proud of our achievements to date and recognise that there is more to do to improve employment outcomes for women and people of diverse gender identities, particularly in STEMM disciplines.

As an Athena SWAN accredited institution, we celebrate diversity and actively work to advance the representation of women and gender-diverse people in STEMM areas and empower individuals so they can thrive in their careers through a range of supportive initiatives, including leadership training, mentorship for early career progression and promotion, networking opportunities, and other professional development resources.

As reflected in the Athena Swan Charter, gender equality is a broader issue that extends beyond barriers affecting women alone, and we are committed to addressing these challenges holistically.

Additionally, we offer staff a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• 17% superannuation, plus a variety of salary packaging options.
• Paid Parental leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver and 3 weeks for non-primary) subject to eligibility criteria outlined in the Enterprise Agreement; personal leave (14 days) and annual leave (20 days)
• Enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday!), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Breastfeeding facilities and campus-based childcare (where priority of placement is given to Curtin staff and students)
• Flexible work arrangements including return to work provisions
• On-campus medical centre
• Academic Carer Support Scheme and other diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives detailed via the below link.

We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of STEMM together and making tomorrow better.

To find out more about our comprehensive diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives, please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/values-vision-strategy/diversity-equity/gender-equity-and-inclusion/

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

This two-year, fixed term, full-time ALA level role attracts a remuneration of $104,917 (ALA.6) - $112,487 (ALA.8) + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and a variety food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• A document addressing the selection criteria for the role (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Tuesday, 26 May, 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.