PRIMARY DETAIL

• Salary: $109,272 per annum (Level A, Step 6) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time, 1-year fixed-term contract (with possibility of extension)
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Pioneer the future of AI-driven hardware design within a world-class silicon research lab.

Are you an early career researcher passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and advanced hardware systems? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the newly created Silicon Platforms Lab (SiP Lab) within the School of Engineering at Macquarie University. This role offers the chance to work alongside world-class researchers, access cutting-edge facilities and technology, and contribute to groundbreaking research on next-generation communication and sensing systems, agentic AI, and passive device modelling.

As a Research Fellow in AI/ML, you will be embedded in a diverse, multidisciplinary team and will play a key role in advancing research into large language models (LLMs) and AI systems for hardware design. This is an exceptional platform to conduct impactful research in high-performance systems, build new networks with world-leading researchers, author high-quality publications, and initiate and lead new projects and research proposals.

About the Role

Reporting to Professor Michael Boers, you will:

• Undertake research into LLM and AI systems for hardware design, contributing to the SiP Lab's mission in advanced silicon chip design and system-on-chip/system-in-package capabilities
• Collaborate closely with colleagues and industry partners on cutting-edge projects in communications, sensing, and adjacent fields
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and pursue new funding opportunities
• Author and publish high-quality research outputs in leading journals and conferences
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams across the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the wider University to integrate novel IP onto silicon platforms
• Support the mentoring and development of research students where appropriate

About Us

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across a diverse range of disciplines and is home to several world-class research centres. The faculty continues to grow links with industry by building partnerships with commercial, government, cultural, and professional organisations.

The SiP Lab is a newly formed, advanced hardware platforms and silicon chip design lab with advanced silicon system-on-chip (SoC) and system-in-package (SiP) capabilities. The research focuses on key semiconductor industry trends in communications and sensing, as well as partnering with adjacent research teams across the faculty and the wider University to integrate novel IP onto silicon platforms with benefits anticipated in the fields of synthetic biology, photonics, and quantum technologies.

More details about the SiP Lab can be found at: https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/our-research/silicon-platforms-lab.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are a motivated and collaborative early career researcher with a strong foundation in AI and machine learning, and a genuine enthusiasm for applying these skills to hardware design challenges. You thrive in multidisciplinary environments, communicate effectively across teams, and are eager to make a meaningful research impact.

• A PhD in LLM/AI, machine learning, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience using LLMs and prompt engineering techniques
• A proven track record of research outputs and/or industry experience in AI/ML
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with students, staff, industry partners, and other stakeholders
• Ability to manage time effectively and work to deadlines in a dynamic research environment
• Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Eligibility to hold and maintain a 10A Defence Export Controls Permit under the Defence Trade Controls Act (2012), or ability to access an exemption

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV (including details of two referees) and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Applications will close on 2nd March 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST). Kindly please note we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Professor Michael Boers at m***@********** or a***@********** for general enquiries.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. The successful candidate must be able to hold and maintain a 10A Defence Export Controls Permit under the Defence Trade Controls Act (2012) or be able to access an exemption.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workdayand go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace.

To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.