Senior Data Scientists

Data Science now fundamentally underpins the majority of internationally competitive research across all fields and disciplines. As the demand for data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence and computational skills has grown, so too has the need for a dedicated institute that can support the research community.

The Curtin Institute for Computation (CIC) was established to meet this increasing demand for computational modelling, data analytics, and visualisation. It initiates and fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research and education programs with researchers.

Our computational specialists assist in applying computational methods across the sciences, engineering, social sciences, health science, business, and the humanities to provide innovative solutions to complex problems.

Automated Fish ID (AFID)

The Curtin Institute for Computation has been awarded a grant, as part of a consortium, to further develop the Automated Fish ID (AFID) digital assistant.  AFID uses computer vision and machine learning to automatically identify, measure and label fish from underwater video imagery.  AFID accelerates knowledge and research outputs in fish ecology by reducing bottlenecks and reducing labour in data processing.

Your new role

We are seeking two detail orientated senior data scientists to join the Curtin Institute for Computation. One of the positions (814329) is a 24-month role in the main data science team at the CIC in which the incumbent will work across a range of projects in the fields of data science working with stakeholders across both Curtin University and industry. The second position (814334) is an 18-month position specifically to support the AFID project deliver machine learning models capable of assisting fish ecologists identify, label and measure fish.

Responsibilities for both roles will include:

• Prepare required data sets for sophisticated statistical analysis, model generation and derivation of insights.
• Identify and use and where required extend suitable technologies, tools and algorithms which can be applied to research/business activities.
• Work with CIC stakeholders to employ analysis techniques and tools that can be utilized by the stakeholders themselves.
• Build credible statistical models from the data and use best coding practices to generate reproducible work.
• Explore and visualise the data to present the ‘story’ of the data in a meaningful way, and to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Assist researchers or business areas to design applications and architect workflows for their research and employ data management best practice.
• Maintain a strong understanding of developments in computer hardware, software systems and algorithms where they apply to data science.
• Using appropriate project management software initiation, planning and coordination of activities for assigned projects.
• Maintain communication with project partners and stakeholders throughout the duration of assigned projects, to ensure regular exchange of project related information and to initiate appropriate action for issues if they arise.

In addition, the AFID role will focus on:

• Developing object detection and classification models using a combination of computer vision and deep learning

• A postgraduate tertiary qualification (PhD) in a relevant discipline with considerable relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to understand and effectively tackle challenging problems.
• Proficiency in data science, statistics, mathematical modelling, and/or optimisation techniques.
• High proficiency and extensive experience with using languages, such as C and/or C++, Python, or R.
• Experience with remote/cloud computing, GPUs processing (Cuda, TensorRT, etc)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to operate autonomously as well as an effective team member with an ability to work collaboratively in multi-functional teams.
• Outstanding interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex, technical concepts to non-technical clients, and the ability to construct clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Understanding of data science, computational methodologies and data management. Experience with using Atlassian Jira would be an advantage.
• Experience with SQL and Django/Flask or similar ORM frameworks would be an advantage for the AFID role.
• Strong experience with machine learning, deep learning and computer vision frameworks (Tensorflow, Porch, etc) particularly in object detection, recognition, segmentation, and tracking is required for the AFID role.
• Demonstrated experience in data modelling and visualisation would be desirable.

• Work on real world challenges across a variety of projects associated with academia, research, and industry
• Agile and flexible working environment with great work life balance
• The opportunity to grow, develop and diversify your own skill set
• Competitive remuneration package with 17% Superannuation

For further information on Curtin’s employee benefits visit https://about.curtin.edu.au/jobs/

Next steps

Curtin University requires you to provide a cover letter and resume to include sufficient information and examples to allow us to assess your suitability for the role. 

To view a copy of the role’s Position Description, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/sender/?s=download&token=09111063-69e1-4d6f-a94d-b4a94e9b09f4

Contact details

To apply complete the application form below, or for more information contact:
Name: Professor Melanie Johnston-Hollitt
Email:  [email protected]
 
Please apply via the attached link, we cannot accept resumes sent to the above contact.

Once you have applied, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received by us.  If you do not receive confirmation via email, please email our team at [email protected]. Please ensure you check your spam folders for this email before contacting the team.

Applications close:  9:00 PM AWST, Wednesday 17th November 2021
 
Inclusion and Diversity at Curtin

We are committed to ensuring that Curtin has an inclusive environment, free from harassment, in which all students, staff and the community feel respected, valued and welcome.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and are committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable people with disability to participate fully in our recruitment, selection and appointment processes.

We have received recognition in this area:

• Voted one of Australia’s Inclusive Employers for 2019-2020 (Diversity Council of Australia).
• Have become one of the first Universities to receive accreditation for an Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Achieved Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation (2018-2020).
• Voted 16th best workplace for new dads in Australia (HBF - Direct Advice for Dads, 2019).

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.