Engineer Research Software (Christchurch)

University of Otago; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, invites applications for a Research Software Engineer in the eResearch Support team within the Digital Division. Based in Christchurch, you will design, develop and support software and data solutions enabling high‑quality research.

You will work with researchers and colleagues to ensure secure, sustainable solutions and contribute to the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) outputs that inform health and social policy in New

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing software in research, academic, or scientific environments.
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, C/C++, Fortran, or Julia.

Responsibilities

• Administering and maintaining CHDS databases.
• Developing research data architecture, dictionaries, and metadata.
• Creating data collection instruments, including REDCap forms and surveys.
• Supporting statistical analysis and reporting activities.
• Managing approved external data access requests.
• Contributing to publications, reports, and research outputs.
• Developing protocols and providing database training.
• Supporting research data maturity initiatives across the Christchurch campus.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

C/C++

Fortran

Julia

Education

Master’s or PhD

Tools

REDCap

Git

Job description

DIGITAL SERVICES DIVISION | RATONGA MATIHIKO

INFORMATION SYSTEMS | TE POUTOKO TUKUTUKU

About our team | Mō te tīma

The University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, is seeking a Research Software Engineer to join the eResearch Support team in the Digital Division. You will join a team of specialist Research Software Engineers and scientific programmers who develop software solutions that enable world‑class research across the University. The team ensures research software and digital solutions are secure, sustainable, and aligned with best practice.

The role | Te mahi

Based in Christchurch, you will provide technical expertise across software engineering, scientific computing, data science, and research data management. Working closely with researchers and Digital Division colleagues, you will design, develop, and support software and data solutions that enable high‑quality research. A significant component of the role supports the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS), a world‑renowned longitudinal study that has followed 1,265 people born in Christchurch in 1977. For almost 50 years, CHDS has generated internationally recognised research that has informed health and social policy in New Zealand and beyond.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will have a background in research-focused software development and a passion for enabling high‑quality research through technology. Comfortable operating at a hands‑on level, you will guide complex technical work while building effective relationships with researchers and academic staff. You will bring a collaborative, consultative approach and be able to communicate effectively with researchers, technical specialists, and stakeholders.

Key tasks of the role include:

• Administering and maintaining CHDS databases.
• Developing research data architecture, dictionaries, and metadata.
• Creating data collection instruments, including REDCap forms and surveys.
• Supporting statistical analysis and reporting activities.
• Managing approved external data access requests.
• Contributing to publications, reports, and research outputs.
• Developing protocols and providing database training.
• Supporting research data maturity initiatives across the Christchurch campus.

Successful candidates will also have:

• A postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing software in research, academic, or scientific environments.
• Proficiency in languages such as Python, R, SQL, C/C++, Fortran, or Julia.
• Experience applying scientific computing, data science, or computational modelling techniques.Knowledge of software engineering principles, version control, and development practices.
• Experience with high-performance computing or research infrastructure.
• Familiarity with reproducible research, FAIR and CARE data principles, and secure research environments.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours week) position, based in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

The salary range for this position is Digital Specialist Band D - $99,364 to $120,834. Top of range $127,993. This includes an additional salary allocation currently available for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Murray Cadzow or James Foulds via the contact details below.