Software Research Engineer (Data Intensive Astronomy)

International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)  

• Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years
• Salary range: Level 6 or 7: $83,005.00 - $100,814.00 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities.  With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

About the team

ICRAR is a WA State funded high profile equal joint venture established in 2009 between Curtin University and The University of Western Australia (UWA). The Centre’s headquarters are located at UWA, with research nodes at both UWA and Curtin. ICRAR is one of the lead Australian organisations participating in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project. ICRAR has been further funded from 2019 to 2024 with $60 Million by the WA State Government and equal contribution from the Joint Venture Universities.  ICRAR is one of the largest astronomy organisations in Australia.

The Data Intensive Astronomy group at ICRAR is focused on the development of the data management and processing technologies required for the SKA telescope and its precursors.  The team includes researchers and software engineers with a diverse range of backgrounds in both astronomy and industry, and who are engaged in cutting-edge projects in pure computer science, as well as the cross-over between computer science, software engineering and astronomy. 

About the opportunity

The Software Research Engineer will work within the Data Intensive Astronomy group to develop the existing prototype data reduction workflow for the radio-astronomy survey DINGO (www.dingo-survey.org) into an operational system, capable of dealing with the massive datasets collected by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder. This work will involve the development and optimization of complex algorithms and will make use of next-generation Pawsey supercomputing resources.

The project is embedded within an established collaboration with Pawsey and the Australian SKA Regional Centre as part of the Pawsey Centre for Extreme Scale Readiness (PaCER) program, and the DINGO software system will be required to interface with those systems. The role will include participation in the development and implementation of the needed interfaces. 

Key responsibilities

In their role as a UWA level 6/7 Software Research Engineer in the Data Intensive Astronomy group at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, the appointee will be expected to:

• Liaise with the stakeholders to further develop the requirements.
• Develop software solutions as required by the DINGO survey operations.
• Actively collaborate with, and contribute to, the Australian SKA Regional Centre and Pawsey Centre as part of the approved PaCER project
• Present results at relevant meetings or as elsewhere needed
• Comply with, maintain an awareness of and help promote all UWA policies and procedures and in particular those relating to work health and safety and equal opportunity
• Perform other duties as requested, consistent with the classification level of the position.

About you

The successful appointee will be a great team player with a can-do attitude.

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description. Please see the position description prior to applying:  Position Description - Software Research Engineer DIA.docx

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria

Closing date: 11:55pm Sunday 27th March 2022

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

ICRAR supports equity, diversity and flexible work arrangements and actively encourage applications from female candidates.

ICRAR- is very proud to again receive a GOLD Pleiades Award, recognising outstanding sustained commitment to best practice in relation to the aims of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy (IDEA) Chapter.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered.
• UWA has been awarded Platinum Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2019).
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.

Advertised:14 Mar 2022 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:27 Mar 2022 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time