Software Developer

*Job Reference: About the Role:*

You will design, build, and maintain software and systems that enable researchers around the world to access and use radio astronomy data to make exciting scientific discoveries. Your work will directly support radio astronomy projects, including the MWA, by creating reliable web-based systems that provide fast and easy access to big data and computing resources.

We're looking for a developer who is eager to apply their skills in a rewarding environment, which has real scientific impact, and is interested in learning or improving their skills in web technologies, big data, and high-performance computing (HPC).

Your responsibilities include:

• Design, develop, test and maintain the web front-end and back-end software components and systems of various systems supporting CIRA's radio astronomy and instrumentation projects with an initial focus on the MWA data portal ).
• Capture and analyse bug reports, suggestions, and feature requests from users; estimate effort, plan and execute the appropriate releases.
• Provide support to end-users and communicate with key stakeholders.
• Maintain and enhance user and system documentation.
• Proactively monitor the operation and performance of the applications and associated systems.
• Work with the Software & Systems Team Leader and external service providers to design, plan, and implement system upgrades and migrations.
• Assist the CIRA Operations Team and Software & Systems Team Leader with other projects and tasks as necessary.

Who we are looking for - Selection Criteria:

We're looking for a developer who is eager to apply their skills in a rewarding environment, which has real scientific impact, and is interested in learning or improving their skills in web technologies, big data, and HPC.

Additionally, you will demonstrate the following:

Essential Criteria:

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or relevant field; or an equivalent combination of hands-on experience and/or education. We value diverse pathways into tech
• Professional experience delivering web-based solutions, with examples you've contributed to.
• Practical front-end web development skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript and React (or similar framework).
• Experience programming in Python and working on backend systems.
• Familiarity with version control tools and workflows (e.g. Github).
• Comfortable working with Linux-based environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with end users and external service providers to resolve issues.
• Ability to organise and prioritise tasks to ensure users' needs are met.
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to resolve complex issues.
• Effective written communication skills including documenting systems and explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with relational databases and SQL.
• Exposure to containerisation for development and deployment (e.g. Docker).
• Exposure to working with big data and/or a HPC environment.
• A passion for learning in a small, supportive and collaborative team.
• An interest in science or astronomy.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed term role, you will require work rights in Australia that match the tenure. We will also consider international candidates who are eligible for a relevant visa.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.

Your new Team - The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA)

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is a multi-disciplinary research institute engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. CIRA's activities draw together academic research and professional staff from a variety of science, engineering, and computing disciplines to tackle unique and demanding challenges in radio astronomy. CIRA is the lead organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), and a key participant in the international SKA project. CIRA celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all cultures, races, nationalities, genders, identities and abilities meeting the requirements outlined in this role and are committed to preserving our principles of equitable and inclusive work and study environments.

Murchison Widefield Array (MWA)

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a low-frequency radio telescope, located at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, (Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory) in Western Australia. The MWA is an international project led by Curtin University on behalf of 20 partner organisations across six countries including partners from Australia, Japan, China, Canada, Switzerland and the United States. The MWA is an SKA precursor facility, undertaking a range of important scientific and technical programs. The telescope is maintained and remotely operated by a small team based at the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy in Perth, Western Australia. The results of these programs also contribute to the design process for the low frequency component of the SKA, under construction and to be completed in Western Australia in the next decade.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

At Curtin University, we value the diversity of the community and are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture in which all people feel respected, valued, welcome and safe. 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, career development, promotion and workplace support. 

To demonstrate this commitment, the faculty has developed a Diversity Awareness Program with a key focus on the areas of gender equity, diverse sex, sexuality and gender, ethnicity, disability and accessibility, and health and wellness. We aim to promote and improve awareness and participation of diversity and inclusion initiatives through the appointment of diversity representatives and male champions of change across the faculty. 

As a university and faculty, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive excellence, and we encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, people with disability and people from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering and make tomorrow better. 

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