Research Software Engineer

Classification: ANU Officer 8 (Specialist)

Salary package: $118,399 – $126,607 per annum plus 17% superannuation

Terms: Continuing Contingent funded (3 years)

This position is Continuing (Contingent Funded). The funding that supports this project has an expected end date of December 2028.

Position Overview

The Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Digital Research Hub (HDRH) is seeking a Research Software Engineer (RSE) to play a central role in the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) Research Software Engineering Capacity Enhancement Project (RSE-CEP).

The RSE will provide technical leadership and expertise to support the delivery of architectural principles, a technology roadmap, and recommended patterns for research software and data management. These outputs will directly support the ARDC HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons (RDC) Community Data Lab (CDL), advancing the development of sustainable and responsible digital research infrastructure for Australia's HASS and Indigenous research communities.

Working under the broad direction of the HDRH Director and senior members of the RSE-CEP project, the RSE will combine technical depth with project coordination skills. This role requires an ability to manage complex programs, engage with diverse stakeholders, and deliver outputs to a national and international standard.

Key Responsibilities

As the RSE, you will:

• Contribute to the development of architectural principles, technology roadmaps, and recommended RSE/RDM patterns for the ARDC Community Data Lab.
• Ensure all project outputs adhere to FAIR principles.
• Build strong technical relationships with ARDC CDL projects and other ARDC HASS & Indigenous RDC initiatives.
• Develop and assess software system requirements, interfaces, and system/subsystem specifications.
• Manage the design, development, and maintenance of open-source code repositories.
• Provide technical support through the investigation, resolution, and tracking of issues.
• Contribute to project planning and scheduling, ensuring risks are mitigated and outputs are delivered on time.
• Support project coordination, including traffic light reporting, budget tracking, and event management.
• Maintain knowledge of best-practice software engineering methods and awareness of emerging technologies relevant to digital HASS research.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and contribute to academic and technical publications.
• Comply with all ANU policies, particularly in relation to equity, diversity, inclusion, and work health and safety.

For further information please contact, Professor James Smithies, Director at E:

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit

Application information

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:

• A statement addressing the selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
• Other documents, if required.

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.