Principal Data Infrastructure and Software Engineer

Adelaide University; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 138,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

Adelaide University, based at the Waite Campus, invites applications for a Principal Data Infrastructure and Software Engineer within the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN). You will lead software design and development for standards-based processing and management of UAV imagery and related data, building interoperable pipelines across national partners.

The role requires extensive Python experience, data architecture expertise, and proven leadership in delivering robust software for

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering high-quality Python software for image and data processing.
• Knowledge of data architecture principles including big data storage, retention, governance, and integration.
• Experience leading a team of software engineers and fostering best practices for standards-based software delivery.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• Experience with IT infrastructure and operations, including network and database administration, hardware management, virtualisation, and containerization.
• Experience with metadata standards (data provenance), Python workflows, and data publication.
• Experience with processing and managing spatial imagery, particularly from UAV platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of software to support standards-based processing and management of imagery and related data collected using UAV platforms.
• Develop shared processing pipelines that deliver interoperable data and metadata across partners.
• Collaborate with APPN and NCRIS partners to deliver digital platforms and data services for agricultural, environmental and earth science research.
• Enable GIS access, training of computer vision and machine learning models, and calibration of processing algorithms.
• Support cross-domain environmental and earth science research.

Skills

Python programming

Data architecture

Team leadership

Technical writing

IT infrastructure

Metadata standards

Spatial imagery / UAV data

Tools

Virtualisation

Containerization

Job description

• Based in the College of Science, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the Waite Campus (Urrbrae)
• Full-time, fixed term contract until 30 June 2028
• Salary Range: (HEO9) $137,795 - $147,421 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

As a Principal Data Infrastructure and Software Engineer within the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), you will lead the design and development of software to support standards-based processing and management of imagery and associated data collected using UAV platforms operated by APPN and its National Research Infrastructure partners: AuScope, the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network and CoastRI. The goal is to develop shared processing pipelines that deliver interoperable data and metadata from all partners to form a nationally significant image and data collection to support analysis and reuse of these digital assets by diverse research communities. Downstream uses will include GIS access, training of computer vision and machine learning models, calibration of processing algorithms, and support for cross-domain environmental and earth science research.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description below to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

Reporting to the Director, Data Management APPN, you will join the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), Australia's national plant phenotyping infrastructure to work on building a National UAV Research Image Repository in partnership with other NCRIS-funded research infrastructures. Working across a network of technology partners, eResearch organisations and researchers, you will play a key role in delivering novel digital platforms and data services to support agricultural, environmental and earth science research.

Visit the website to learn more about Australian Plant Phenomics Network.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is ideal for an experienced Python software engineer with a commitment to supporting evidence-based science, geospatial services and Australia’s capacity to respond to changing environment at the landscape level. You will collaborate with a highly specialised team and a nationally distributed network of research infrastructure partners to deliver innovative digital capabilities.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience in delivering high-quality Python software, particularly for image and data processing
• Significant knowledge and experience in data architecture principles and practices, including big data storage, retention, governance, and integration
• Experience leading a team of software engineers and fostering best practices for standards-based software delivery
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and multi-stakeholder collaboration
• Experience with IT infrastructure and operations, including network and database administration, hardware management, virtualisation, and containerization
• Experience with metadata standards (especially for data provenance), Python workflows and data publication
• Experience with processing and managing spatial imagery, particularly from UAV platforms

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Submit your application by 11:30pm Sunday 29 November 2026

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493410):

Rachael Cossons

[phone] | [e-mail]

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.