Research Software Engineer

University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Discounted services

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for a Research Software Engineer in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. You will design and deliver open-source software powering national epidemic forecasting and scenario modelling hubs, collaborating with epidemiologists and data scientists to turn health data into actionable insights.

This role emphasizes professional software engineering over academic publishing, with responsibilities spanning design, development, testing

Qualifications

• Bachelor in CS/Software engineering or related field.
• Experience designing and implementing research software using R, Python, or JavaScript.
• Experience building web interfaces and visualisations with modern front-end tech.
• Strong software engineering practices: Git, testing, CI, reproducible code.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, develop, test and deploy open-source research software for forecasting hubs.
• Create modern web interfaces, dashboards and visualisations with secure back-end services.
• Engage users and collaborators via code repositories and forums for multi-team work.
• Implement data management, security and confidentiality aligned with policies.
• Produce clear technical docs, reports and maintainable tools.

Skills

R

Python

JavaScript

Web development

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or a similarly computational discipline

Tools

Git

CI/CD

High-performance computing

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term (2 years)
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Salary: UOM 6 - $100,847 - $109,163 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

• Shape epidemic forecasting infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand / focus on professional software engineering, not academic publishing / collaborate with leading epidemiologists, statisticians and data scientists
• 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
You will design and deliver open-source software that powers national epidemic forecasting and scenario modelling hubs.

You will work closely with leading epidemiologists and data scientists, turning complex health data into actionable insights.

This professional software engineering role lets you focus on building high-quality tools rather than academic publications.

What you will deliver:

• Plan, design, develop, test and deploy open-source research software that supports ACEFA’s forecasting and scenario modelling hubs.
• Create modern web interfaces, dashboards and user experiences, integrating secure back-end services, databases and cloud infrastructure.
• Engage software users and collaborators through code repositories and forums, supporting multi-team participation in epidemic analytics.
• Implement robust data management, security and confidentiality practices aligned with population health research policies and standards.
• Produce clear technical documentation, reports and project communications that enable reuse, scalability and ongoing maintenance of tools.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or a similarly computational discipline.
• Design and implement high-quality research software using R, Python, JavaScript or comparable data-focused programming languages.
• Develop modern web interfaces and visualisations using JavaScript frameworks, HTML5, CSS3 and relevant libraries.
• Apply strong software engineering practices, including Git, testing, continuous integration and high-performance computing skills.
• Manage project workload effectively, meeting milestones and deadlines while maintaining clean, reproducible and well-documented code.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, communicating complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical public health stakeholders.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

• 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 – Infectious Disease Dynamics Unit

You will join the Infectious Disease Dynamics Unit within the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

Our team collaborates across universities, government and ARDC partners to tackle pressing infectious disease threats.

You will work in a values-driven, multidisciplinary environment that blends data science, public health and impactful research.

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 be 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.

You are not required to address the Selection Criteria for this application.

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: Sunday 18th of October 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description

JR-018676 - Research Software Engineer - PD.docx
JR-018676 - Research Software Engineer - PD.pdf