We are currently looking for a person to join the Gelato@UNSW team. Read the job description; but if you are reading this, and your physical proximity is not too far from UNSW, there is a high proability you'd be interested in the job.
There will be much hacking at userspace and kernel level, though knowing your way around C and building kernels is sufficient. There will be papers involved, but it is not overly academic. You'll have time to learn, and freedom to move things in the best directions you see fit. You'll collaborate with some very smart people both here and abroad; I can speak from personal experience that the positive push of your surroundings will help you learn more than you ever could in other environments.
If you have questions, please email me at ianw@gelato.unsw.edu.au.