Kairuruku | Research Assistant

Victoria University of Wellington · Kelburn

Are you a motivated researcher with experience in machine learning?
Can you develop software collaboratively and communicate complex research clearly?
Do you have a master’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence or a related field?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Kairuruku - Research Assistant to join the Deep Learning research team on a 12-month fixed-term, full-time contract. The work arrangement is flexible, but the position requires working from the office at least three days a week to facilitate in-person interaction with other members of the team.

This role is part of a project aimed at predicting the impact of natural disasters and climate change on a local economy. Economic entities—such as businesses and government agencies—will be modelled as agentic digital twins operating within a multi-agent economic simulation. To ensure scalability, these digital twins must be automatically extracted from publicly available documents, such as annual reports.

The primary focus of this position will be the automated extraction pipeline, implemented using PyTorch. You will work closely with team members who are developing and running the multi-agent simulation system.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be highly motivated individual with a willingness to develop systems that automatically formulate cutting edge agentic digital twins. You will be an organised and reliable individual, able to keep accurate records of your work and describe your work thoroughly to the project team.

Key requirements:

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or closely related field.
Significant experience in leading and contributing to software development projects.
Research experience in the field of machine learning.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work in a team.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 11 November 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Bastiaan Kleijn (bastiaan.kleijn@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

Be part of innovative research in this fixed-term, full-time role.

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