Senior Scientific Officer in Software Verification

About This Opportunity

Join a visionary and collaborative research environment within Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science where your expertise will help shape the future of trustworthy software systems. The Senior Scientific Officer will provide advanced knowledge of formal methods in support of high-quality research outcomes across the research lifecycle, with a particular focus on formal verification of compiler optimisations within the veriopt project. Working alongside leading researchers, students and industry collaborators, you will contribute to impactful research, build enabling infrastructure, and help create meaningful change through innovative software engineering research.

Key responsibilities

• Setting up, optimising and maintaining proof infrastructure to support formal verification research within the veriopt project.
• Training and providing technical support to students and research staff using verification infrastructure and methodologies.
• Designing and conducting experiments, analysing outcomes, and generating technical reports that support high-quality research outcomes.
• Contributing to the development of research-focused technologies, testing frameworks, engineering processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a full-time fixed-term position through to April 2027 at HEW 6.

About You

You are an experienced and highly motivated research professional who combines deep technical expertise with a collaborative and supportive approach to research delivery.

• Completion of a degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in verifying compiler optimisations and the application of formal methods.
• Advanced knowledge of the Isabelle/HOL theorem prover, GraalVM compiler, and contemporary software verification techniques.
• Significant experience working within software verification research or closely related technical environments.
• Experience supervising thesis students, mentoring junior researchers, or the demonstrated capability to rapidly develop these capabilities.
• Highly developed problem solving skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and adapt to evolving research priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical documentation and effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, respect, inclusivity and the values of The University of Queensland.
• Experience or strong interest in teaching, training and supporting the development of undergraduate and postgraduate students is desirable.

Other Information

Pre employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.

We're also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds.

UQ is particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ - whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability.

Applications close Sunday August 2nd 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-67264). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday August 10th 2026.

At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia's leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide.

As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence - evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million).

Our state of the art facilities, libraries, and cutting edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries.

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For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.

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