Senior Research Software Engineer, Python Specialist

Classification: ANU Officer 8 (Specialist)
Salary package: $109,945 – $117,567 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full-time, Fixed term (up to 2 years)

• Flexible working arrangements to encourage a healthy work/life balance, including consideration of part-time roles and remote work. 
• Exceptional workplace culture with a supportive, diverse and inclusive team. 
• Great work location with world-class staff amenities including gyms, swimming pool, childcare centres, etc. 
• Excellent remuneration and conditions, including 17% superannuation contributions, annual leave loading and a range of benefits  

About Us  
ACCESS – The Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator – is a collaborative venture between Government and the Australian research community to support development, maintenance and access to climate and weather models and data.   

Hosted at ANU, ACCESS-NRI (ACCESS National Research Infrastructure) is established as a multi-party collaborative venture responding to the current and future needs of Australia’s scientific, Government and stakeholder community.  

At the heart of ACCESS is a community of Research Software Engineers with a range of skills including high-performance computing, climate and earth system model development, advanced visualisation, model optimisation, code repository management, machine learning, model evaluation and data science. 

ACCESS-NRI provides a supportive and enriching workplace for its staff through its strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing initiatives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Women and other people that will increase the diversity of the ACCESS community are strongly encouraged to apply. 

The Role 
Are you a talented Python developer looking for an exciting opportunity? The Model Evaluation and Diagnostic team focuses on developing and enhancing workflows to facilitate the analysis of ACCESS model outputs. Additionally, we compare model outcomes with those of other international models. Our work is crucial in supporting Australia's submissions to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), providing scientific inputs for international climate change panels.  

Responsibilities include: 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications.  
• Design and develop scalable, efficient, and maintainable Python code for data analysis and processing.  
• Implement algorithms for statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modelling.  
• Create data visualisation tools and techniques to present complex information in a clear and intuitive manner.  
• Optimise code performance and reliability through testing, debugging, and refactoring.  
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in Python, data science, and related technologies. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of earth system models, climate change and high-performance computing to help address major challenges facing society. 

The role of Research Software Engineer will have demonstrated experience in working as part of a software development team, attention to detail, flexibility, and ability to prioritise tasks to accomplish both short and long-term goals. The ability to self-direct and learn new skills as needed, matters more than any specific software package, as does an interest and demonstrated aptitude for picking up new things and running with them.  

It is essential that you can work with others, contribute to varied projects as needed, and be able to balance ongoing maintenance and support with scoping and delivery of new projects and other longer-term deliverables. The role has a mixture of internal and external stakeholder engagement, with varied technical and non-technical backgrounds.  

If this sounds like you, and you are excited to support innovative research and play an active role in making a difference in the world, then please get in touch to find out more about the position.    

Skills and Requirements  
Required:   

• Proven experience (+3 years) as a Python Developer, with a focus on data analysis and scientific computing. 
• Strong proficiency in Python and libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 
• Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Effective communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 
• Commitment to a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace environment.
• Passionate about working in an organisation that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing. 

Desirable:  

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Earth Sciences or related field. 
• Linux/Unix experience.
• Experience with low-level scientific programming languages (e.g., Fortran, C) 
• Familiar with high-performance and/or cloud computing platforms. 
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git. 
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn. 
• Experience working with geospatial data formats, standards and tools. (e.g., GIS, Python)  

For further information, please contact Romain Beucher (Model Evaluation and Diagnostics, Team Lead), E: [email protected]

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities at the ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-employment.  

ANU values diversity and inclusion and believes employment opportunities must not be limited by socio-economic background, race, religion or gender. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion .  

Application Information 
To apply for this role please upload the following documents: 

• A statement addressing the selection criteria. 
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least two referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form. 
• Other documents, if required. 

Applications that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position. 

Please note: The successful applicant must have rights to live and work in Australia. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.