Software Developer – Cira

• $95,231 – $102,249 (G07) per annum plus 17% superannuation
• Full time, Fixed term to 30th June 2024 with likely extension
• Flexible working arrangements

Job Reference: 1051183
 
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 the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in Western Australia. The MWA is an international project led by Curtin University on behalf of 20 partner organisations across five countries including partners from Australia, Japan, China, Canada and the United States. The MWA is a Square Kilometre Array (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, to be constructed in Western Australia in the next decade.
  
Your new role
  
You will design, develop and manage software and systems that support hundreds of researchers around the globe. You will directly contribute to the productivity of radio astronomy projects, including the MWA, by ensuring effective and robust instrument operation, and timely access to data and processing resources. . We’re seeking a software developer looking for an opportunity to apply their existing skills in a rewarding, high profile environment, and extend their capability by working with big data and high performance computing resources.
  
Key duties and 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.
• 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.

If you have any queries in relation to the requirements of the role, please contact the Software & Systems Team leader, Mr Greg Sleap at [email protected]. 
  
Alternatively, call the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research Phone: (+61) 08 9266 4669.
 
To learn more about CIRA, please visit the below websites:
www.astronomy.curtin.edu.au
www.icrar.org
www.mwatelescope.org
www.skatelescope.org
 
About us
  
Curtin University offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, a friendly and collaborative work environment, generous leave entitlements and superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and salary-packaging. Our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.
  
For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au
  
Join us!
  
Your application should include a cover letter, your CV and separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.
 
Essential Criteria:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant in Computer Science or Information Technology with considerable relevant work experience or equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• A proven track record (with evidence) of delivering quality web-based software solutions.
• Experience with HTML/CSS/Javascript/React as well as web server technologies (Apache, Nginx etc).
• Strong Python programming skills and experience with git/github or similar source code control environments and practices.
• Experience with Linux (shell, scripting, and administration) and a good understanding of TCP/IP networking.
• Highly effective interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to liaise with end users and external service providers to resolve system issues.
• Problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to resolve complex system issues.
• Demonstrated effective written communication skills with the ability to construct documentation and articulate information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work effectively autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with database systems and the use of database query tools in particular SQL (specifically PostgreSQL).
• Knowledge of, and experience with, high performance computing (HPC) / supercomputer systems would be an advantage.
• Experience using Docker containers for development and production deployment.
• Use of AWS technologies including EC2 and S3.
• Ability to travel to MWA remote site as required.

Applications close: 9PM (AWST), Sunday 2nd April 2023
  
Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a current National Police Records check, undergo character, integrity, and reference checks. Please note that this position may be subject to a WA state government vaccination mandate. If requested, you will be required to provide evidence of your vaccination status prior to employment.
  
If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1).

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.