Research Software Engineer (Geospatial)

Role type: Full time, Fixed Term for 2 years 
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology 
Department/ School: School of Computing and Information Systems 
Salary: Level 7 - $111,275 - $120,453  p.a. plus 17% super  

• Impactful geospatial role protecting ecosystems / collaborate with leading conservation scientists and IUCN / build open, scalable data platforms 

• Join MDAP to engineer robust geospatial tools that drive evidence-based ecosystem conservation worldwide. 

• 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  
In this role, you will design geospatial data platforms that underpin global ecosystem risk assessments. 
You will collaborate with conservation scientists and technologists to create transparent, scalable tools for biodiversity policy. 

You will contribute to the team’s broader geospatial capability across disciplines. 
You will gain experience across cloud engineering, LLM workflows, APIs, and open, reproducible research practices.  

What you will deliver:  

• Design and implement a robust geospatial data platform supporting national and global ecosystem risk assessments. 

• Develop structured databases and APIs, ensuring secure, efficient access to ecosystem assessment data. 

• Configure cloud infrastructure and containerised workflows to enable portable, reproducible, and scalable deployments. 

• Implement LLM-based pipelines for text extraction, data ingestion, and advanced ecosystem querying capabilities. 

• Produce documentation, training materials, and engagement activities that support collaborators and strengthen platform adoption. 

• Support the deployment of geospatial software and promote geospatial best practices in other MDAP projects. 

You may be a great fit if you:  

• Bring strong proficiency in Python for building data pipelines, APIs, and platform tooling. 

• Demonstrate deep experience with geospatial standards, datasets, and technologies across research or industry projects. 

• Design and manage structured databases and PostGIS-backed systems supporting complex environmental data. 

• Configure cloud infrastructure using infrastructure-as-code tools, such as Terraform, on platforms like Google Cloud. 

• Apply collaborative software practices including Git, containerisation, and CI/CD to deliver reliable, maintainable systems. 

• Leverage familiarity with LLM frameworks, modern JavaScript, or visualisation libraries to enhance user experiences. 

For further information, please refer to the attached PD.  

What we offer you!  
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:  

• 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 and cultural 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 – Melbourne Data Analytics Platform 
At the Melbourne Data Analytics Platform, you will join a collaborative team of research data specialists. 
We partner with academics across disciplines to co-create robust digital infrastructure that accelerates impactful science. 
Embedded within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the team values openness, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing. 
You will enjoy working with diverse experts, modern tooling, and leadership committed to inclusive professional growth. 

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 [email protected].  

Application essentials: 

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs. 

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. 

• A Working with Children Check is  for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.  

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.  

• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. 

Want to know more? 

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Nic Geard at [email protected]. 

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Nick Petersen at [email protected] 

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').  

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future. 

Applications close: ​​Wednesday 15 July 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.  

Position Description - Word

Position Description - PD