Principal Research Software Engineer

Research Computing Centre (RCC)
Full-time, fixed-term position until 2028
Base salary will be in the range $100,554 - $10+,4+6 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
Based at our St. Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

Are you an experienced Research Software Engineer passionate about driving innovation in digital research infrastructure? We are seeking a Principal Research Software Engineer to play a key leadership role in designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge research software solutions at UQ’s Research Computing Centre (RCC).

In this role, you will provide technical expertise and strategic insight to support researchers in tackling complex computational challenges. You will lead the development of web applications and microservices that lower barriers to High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Cloud Computing, empowering scientists to achieve groundbreaking discoveries.

Beyond technical development, you will collaborate with researchers, advise on best practices in software engineering, and contribute to the long-term vision of digital research infrastructure at UQ.

If you are a problem-solver with strong leadership skills and a passion for developing innovative software solutions, we encourage you to apply!

Key responsibilities will include: 

Design, develop, deploy, and maintain web applications, microservices, and digital research infrastructure to support High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Cloud Computing accessibility for researchers.
Provide expert advice to researchers and RCC clients on best practices in software design, cybersecurity, and digital research infrastructure, ensuring effective solutions for complex computational challenges.
Support and mentor team members by sharing expertise, fostering skill development, and promoting best practices in software engineering and system architecture.
Contribute to the RCC’s long-term strategy, assist in budget planning, evaluate new technologies, and represent the centre on committees related to research computing and software engineering.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Benefits

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
17% superannuation contributions
17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
UQ Study for Staff
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)
Salary packaging options

About You

A degree in IT or a related field with significant relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong programming skills in backend Python and Java applications, as well as frontend JavaScript frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.
Experience with relational and NoSQL databases (e.g., Postgres, MongoDB) and cloud-based delivery platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, OpenStack, Fusion).
Proficiency in Linux, containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), and microservices development and orchestration.
Demonstrated experience in software development best practices, including version control (Git), continuous integration, and secure coding principles.
A solutions-focused mindset with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality research software and infrastructure support.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

Work Rights: 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please Dr Mark Endrei Senior Principal Software Engineer/Developer at mark.endrei@uq.edu.au For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Cover letter sum