Data Infrastructure Specialist

• Help drive the future of Australian biomedical imaging research and data infrastructure
• Work at the forefront of cutting-edge neuroscience and biomedical imaging research
• An opportunity to develop scalable systems and platforms
• Fixed Term Position Until June 2027

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the University of Newcastle (UoN), in partnership with the National Imaging Facility (NIF), are seeking a Data Infrastructure Specialist to join our state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre. This newly created, fully funded role supports transformative neuroscience and brain cancer research by enabling robust data management and advanced computational workflows.

Working at the intersection of imaging, neuroscience, and IT, you’ll contribute to the success of the National Imaging Facility and help researchers make critical discoveries through powerful, secure, and scalable data platforms.

The Role

As the Data Infrastructure Specialist, you’ll play a central role in the management and development of imaging data systems across HMRI, UoN, the Systems Neuroscience Group, and the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research. You will:

• Design and maintain research data workflows connecting neuroimaging formats (e.g., DICOM, NIFTI, CIFTI, BIDS) to high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Support research teams by ensuring secure, accessible, and scalable imaging data infrastructure—integrating modalities such as MRI, EEG, and behavioural data.
• Train and mentor researchers, providing tools, documentation, and workshops to help them manage and process their imaging data independently and effectively.
• Oversee informatics platforms (e.g., XNAT) and advise on key software tools (e.g., SPM, FSL, Freesurfer) and hardware integration for data acquisition and analysis.
• Collaborate on national-scale data initiatives, contributing to the development of federated data platforms and AI-based data analysis frameworks across the NIF network.

This position sits across multiple research teams, providing expert data infrastructure support to a wide community of investigators, while helping to shape a national strategy for imaging data governance and integration.

What you’ll bring

You're a systems thinker and a technical problem solver with a background in IT, data science, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, or systems neuroscience. You’re motivated by the opportunity to build and shape data infrastructure that accelerates scientific discovery.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of data infrastructure in biomedical imaging research. You’ll be at the heart of a collaborative, national effort to improve how imaging data is stored, analysed, and shared—unlocking discoveries in brain and other medical sciences and beyond.

This fixed term position is full time at a HEW 7 Higher Education Level until the end of June 2027 located at HMRI.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• The remuneration for this position is pro-rated from $ 103641- $116596 p.a. + superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed below demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

Essential:

1. A degree with at least 4 years subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and management expertise in technical or      administrative fields; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.  
2. Awareness of neuroimaging data formats (e.g., DICOM, NIFTI, CIFTI) and software tools (e.g., SPM, FSL, Freesurfer, fMRIPrep).
3. Strong programming skills in at least one language (e.g., Python, Matlab, Julia) with a willingness to learn additional languages or tools as needed.
4. Experience with Linux-based systems, including OS management, virtualization (e.g., Docker, Singularity), and server administration, including knowledge of HPC environments and workflow management e.g. PBS-style job queues.
5. Familiarity with ethical and privacy considerations for handling medical and           research data.
6. Knowledge of, and experience in adhering to workplace policies and procedures in the areas of work health safety, equity, diversity and promoting a respectful workplace culture.

Desirable:

1. Experience with additional programming languages (e.g., C/C++, R, HTML/CSS, JavaScript).
2. Knowledge and experience of neuroimaging data formats (e.g., DICOM, NIFTI, CIFTI) and software tools (e.g., SPM, FSL, Freesurfer, fMRIPrep).
3. Knowledge of and experience with Windows and macOS operating systems.
4. Knowledge of and experience with GPU-based parallel computing and optimization.
5. Hands-on experience with neuroimaging hardware (e.g., MRI, EEG, eye-tracking) and behavioural experiment setups.
6. Familiarity with computer peripherals and hardware integration for research applications.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact Bryan Paton, on (02) 4985 4120 or via email Bryan.Paton@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Monday 28th July 11:59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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