CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Machine Learning, Australia: Empowering Researchers With Cutting-Edge Opportunities.

Scholarship Description:

Are you holding a PhD in machine learning, computer science, statistics, or applied mathematics? Are you passionate about conducting cutting-edge research in the field of machine learning? If so, consider joining the CSIRO Data61 team for an exciting 3-year postdoctoral role.

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed for scientists and engineers who have recently completed their doctorate and possess less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. The objective of these fellowships is to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the innovation system.

This particular postdoctoral project focuses on the application of machine learning (ML) in high-stakes, human-centric decisions, such as credit scoring and sentencing in the judiciary system. While ML algorithms have demonstrated biases that disproportionately affect certain ethnicities and genders, fairness research has contributed to more equitable algorithms and a deeper understanding of various bias sources. However, there is still a lack of comprehension regarding how these bias sources interact to create overall bias. The project's main goal is to disentangle ML bias into algorithmic and data bias, with a specific emphasis on intersectional subgroups. The developed techniques will then be applied to analyze biases in threatened species management and human-machine collaboration.

As the CERC fellow, your primary responsibility will be to conduct cutting-edge research. You will be part of a dynamic research team, collaborating with CSIRO researchers Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, Cheng Soon Ong (Director MLAI FSP), Cecile Paris (Director CINTEL FSP), Iadine Chades, and Eirini Ntoutsi from Bundeswehr University, Munich (Full Professor for Open Source Intelligence). Alongside the team, you will write conference and journal papers, present your findings at local and international conferences, and have the opportunity to participate in workshops and courses for further skill development. The aim is to nurture your growth as an independent researcher by the end of the project. Throughout this journey, you will be integrated into the vibrant Data61 ecosystem, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience.

Key Duties:

1. Investigate approaches to disentangle and mitigate ML bias in an intersectional context.

2. Apply new research techniques to intersectional fairness research and interdisciplinary areas like threatened species management and human-computer interaction.

3. Work independently and proficiently in programming languages such as Python, R, Matlab, and C++.

4. Conduct innovative and impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO, aiming for novel and significant scientific outcomes.

Degree Level:

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Machine Learning, Australia: Empowering Researchers With Cutting-Edge Opportunities. is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Australian Universities.

Available Subjects:

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• Machine Learning

Scholarship Benefits:

The location for this role is Clayton, Victoria, with potential travel opportunities to Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane. The salary for the position ranges from AU$92,000 to AU$101,000 per year, with an additional 15.4% superannuation. The postdoctoral fellowship is a specified term of 3 years, with the reference number 93478.

Eligible Nationalities:

This fellowship is open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or people with Australian Work-Permit.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as machine learning, computer science, statistics or applied mathematics. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• The ability to effectively program in a relevant programming language such as Python (others such as R/Matlab/Julia/C++ are fine too). 
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals/conferences and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Candidates will be expected to commence employment by 31 January 2024.

Application Procedure:

Please apply on-line and provide a CV and cover letter that includes statements addressing the selection criteria and best demonstrates your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

31 August 2023, 11:00pm AEST