Data Engineer

Unimelb; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Parental leave and gender affirmation/

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a Data Engineer to build secure, well-governed data commons for human genomics research. You will work end-to-end across data operations, collaborating with researchers, data managers and colleagues in a close-knit Australian BioCommons team.

Role involves designing data dictionaries, transformations and QA processes, with opportunities for professional development and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, bioinformatics or closely related discipline.
• Experience in data management, analysis, engineering or software development in technical environments.
• Ability to work with structured data including modelling, transformation, validation, harmonisation or QA.
• Proficiency using shell, Python, R, SQL in cloud or server environments.
• Understanding data security and privacy with sensitive human data.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain data dictionaries, submission templates and harmonisation for human genomics/multi-omics datasets.
• Collaborate with researchers and data managers to understand incoming data and improve quality.
• Develop, run and refine data transformation, validation, quality-control and migration workflows.
• Configure and operate Gen3 data commons platforms including dictionary deployment and indexing.
• Build tools, scripts and standard procedures to support reproducible data operations.

Skills

Shell

Python

R

SQL

Data governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, bioinformatics or related

Tools

Gen3 data commons

Job description

Role type:

Full-time; Fixed term to 30 June 2028, externally funded

Faculty:

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department:

Australian BioCommons

Salary:

UOM 8 - $125,191 - $135,504 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

• Shape national human genomics data infrastructure / develop broad data engineering expertise / join a supportive, close-knit team
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this role, you will engineer secure, well-governed data commons for sensitive human genomics research.

You will work end-to-end across data operations, whether your background is academic, industry or government.

You will develop versatile technical skills while contributing to nationally significant research infrastructure and health-focused projects.

What you will deliver:

• Design and maintain high-quality data dictionaries, submission templates and harmonisation approaches for human genomics and multi-omics datasets.
• Collaborate with researchers and data managers to understand incoming data, clarify requirements and improve data quality and consistency.
• Develop, run and refine data transformation, validation, quality-control and migration workflows for sensitive research data holdings.
• Configure and operate Gen3 data commons platforms, including dictionary deployment, data ingestion, indexing and user exploration interfaces.
• Build tools, scripts, documentation and standard procedures that support reproducible data operations and reduce manual effort.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, bioinformatics or a closely related discipline.
• Bring experience in data management, data analysis, data engineering or software development within technical environments.
• Demonstrate capability working carefully with structured data, including modelling, transformation, validation, harmonisation or quality assurance.
• Use shell, Python, R, SQL or similar tools in cloud or server environments to manage datasets.
• Understand data security and privacy considerations when retaining, accessing and using potentially sensitive human research data.
• Thrive in collaborative projects, communicating clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders and taking ownership of tasks.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave.
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Australian BioCommons

You will join Australian BioCommons, a national NCRIS-funded research infrastructure program hosted by the University.

Working in a close-knit team of around ten specialists, you will collaborate across institutions and disciplines.

The Human Genome Informatics division builds secure, scalable data platforms that underpin cutting‑edge human genomics and multi‑omics research.

You will be part of a collaborative, learning‑focused environment committed to practical impact and responsible data stewardship.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier‑free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Application essentials:

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

Want to know more?

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Alex Spezza at [e-mail]
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at [e-mail] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Applications close:

Wednesday 14th of October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-018268 - Data Engineer - PD.pdf

JR-018268 - Data Engineer - PD.docx