Software Engineer-Repository Services

HEO8 ($110,291-$123,734) | Full-Time

24 months Fixed-term Contact

Help shape Australia’s national infrastructure for agricultural research data and make a tangible difference to global food security.

The University of Adelaide leads the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), a national research infrastructure initiative established through the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). APPN delivers cutting-edge imaging and data collection technologies for plant phenotyping, supporting research in controlled environments, field sites, and remote locations. The network consists of nine nodes strategically positioned across Australia’s diverse climate zones—spanning WA, SA, ACT, Victoria, NSW, and Queensland—and is hosted by eight leading universities and one state government department.

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer (Repository Services) to join the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) Central Data Team. This is your opportunity to help build the digital foundation for one of Australia's most advanced research networks in plant phenotyping.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain server-side solutions for storing, organising, and accessing large datasets
• Design tools that structure and package data using FAIR principles, RO-Crate standards, and JSON-LD metadata
• Collaborate with data centre teams to ensure stable repository operations
• Build interfaces to support data discovery and develop basic landing pages
• Implement efficient access controls and mechanisms for handling large image assets
• Contribute to policy-based storage decisions (e.g. archiving, deletion, cost-efficiency)
• Support broader software development activities across the APPN Central Data Team

About You

You're a forward-thinking developer with a passion for open data, interoperability, and scalable research infrastructure. You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy solving complex problems in data architecture and software design.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated expert knowledge and at least two years practical experience managing complex data in an S3 environment.
2. Demonstrated expert knowledge of the Python language and best-practice Python software development.
3. Demonstrated experience using and applying data standards, metadata standards and controlled vocabularies to facilitate data re-use.
4. Demonstrated experience in team software development, including coding and documentation standards, Git-based version control, defect and issue management, code review and test.
5. Experience capturing software requirements and translating these into documented designs and implementation plans.
6. Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
7. Capacity to work independently as well as in a team environment.
8. Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations.

Desirable

1. Understanding of research data management principles, practices, and associated methodologies, encompassing the research data lifecycle, including the FAIR data principles, use of vocabularies and ontologies, globally unique identifiers, metadata standards and handling of CSV/tab-delimited data.
2. Experience developing modular software solutions using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
3. Experience building and deploying containerised solutions (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).

Qualifications:

Tertiary qualification in either Computer Science or Software Engineering with at least 2 years relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or training, including broad experience in a scientific/research and/or industry environment(s).

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

 
Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

How to Apply

Are you ready to develop innovative software that supports world-class agricultural research? Join the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) and make a real difference in sustainable agriculture across Australia.

Please ensure you submit a resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

***Applications close 11:55pm, Sunday 4^th May 2025***

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Donald Hobern
Data Management Director, Australian Plant Phenomics Network
E: donald.hobern@adelaide.edu.au

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