Research Software Programmer/Analyst

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 28

Salary Grade 13: $49,000 - $57,616, commensurate with experience

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, temporary full time contract opportunity with an expected end date of December 22, 2028. There are multiple vacancies available.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s mission is to be a cornerstone of society’s development through physics and astronomy education of students, the creation and dissemination of knowledge, innovative partnerships with industry, government, and other educational institutions in the global community.

Funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund and the Dunlap Institute, the Canadian Data-Intensive Astrophysics Platform (CanDIAPL) is a multimillion-dollar project that will build a computational data centre and other information-based infrastructure to make data from large-scale telescope surveys, like the Rubin Observatory, accessible to the broader Canadian scientific community.

Responsibilities

The Research Software Programmer/Analyst will work under the direction of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with various university, industry, government, laboratory and research collaborators who are part of the Canadian Data-Intensive Astrophysics Platform (CanDIAPL), in order to define, develop, test, analyze, and maintain custom research software applications to manage big data from Canadian telescope projects. The role will develop and write software and computer code, provide support by troubleshooting and fixing bugs, implement new features, and assist with planning for software enhancements to ensure the needs of the research are met. In addition, the role will participate in planning of the delivery of programming services, with a focus on identifying opportunities for technological and process improvements. The Programmer/Analyst will ensure the latest techniques and strategies are used, and make recommendations regarding the planning and delivery of services related to the research.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Sciences or relevant discipline
• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or related discipline is preferred

Experience:

• 2 years of collaborative software development in an academic research environment including experience in the processing of large scientific data sets, and working with programming languages (including Python)
• Experience in high performance computing is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with current internet technologies and with best practices in developing test cases and test plans
• Demonstrated ability to work in large teams including with many stakeholders and research students
• Familiarity with project management tools and resources (e.g., version control systems) with the ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under pressure
• Ability to adapt to change and master new technical and organization concepts and processes
• Verbal and written communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users with the ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Ability to follow formal business practices with high attention to detail
• Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges and an ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
• Computer skills with the ability to creatively use and integrate technology to improve quality and productivity
• Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
• Problem solving skills with a sense of urgency in resolving issues and getting tasks completed
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the research team to achieve research goals

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


Learn more and Apply