Magma Research Associate / Magma Research Fellow

• 2 x full time, 3-year fixed term positions, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Mathematics and Statistics
• Opportunity to drive research in computational pure mathematics through the development of mathematical software
• Base Salary, Academic level A/B $113,634 - $157,381 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is currently seeking up to two Magma Research Associates / Magma Research Fellows to develop and maintain the Magma computer algebra system (http://magma.maths.usyd.edu.au/magma/).

These positions are based at the University of Sydney in a team led by John Voight as part of an international collaboration funded by the Simons Foundation between the University of Sydney and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• design and implement mathematical algorithms, and facilitate their integration into Magma
• engage with users, researchers, and developers, both internally at the University of Sydney and externally across multiple institutions
• publish research papers on mathematical theory and the development and analysis of algorithms
• explore how artificial intelligence can support the development and use of computer algebra systems, including mathematical programming, software verification and testing, documentation, and new ways for researchers to interact with computational mathematics software
• compile data sets relevant to research in these areas and integrate them into Magma
• participate in and support workshops and meetings.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for Magma Research Associate / Magma Research Fellows who have:

• a PhD in mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline
• a strong background in computational mathematics, computer algebra, or mathematical software, with experience relevant to specific areas such as algebra, arithmetic geometry, number theory, group theory, representation theory, commutative algebra, or algebraic geometry
• experience in the design, analysis, or implementation of algorithms
• strong programming skills; experience with Magma or another computer algebra system is highly desirable
• experience with C/C++ and Linux, or the demonstrated ability to work effectively in comparable systems-programming and Unix environments
• strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• the ability to travel and present research results.

Desirable experience includes:

• experience developing substantial mathematical or scientific software
• experience with modern software development practices, including version control, testing, profiling, optimisation, and collaborative development
• experience with artificial intelligence or machine-learning tools and methods, particularly their application to mathematical research or software development. This may include AI-assisted programming, automated testing and documentation, mathematical reasoning, code analysis, or the development of AI-enabled interfaces and research tools.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 20 October 2026 11:59 PM