Research Data Scientist

• Academic Level A ($89,579 – $120,621) or Academic Level B ($127,138 - $150,425) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

• Full-time, 3-year fixed term appointment

• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Turn complex research data into discovery and help advance global brain health.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a data scientist to do work that truly matters and carries an impact. As part of the neurosciences program within the Macquarie Medical School, you'll transform complex research data into insights that shape the future of brain health.

In this role, you'll shape how data is handled, analysed and processed across the neurosciences program within the Medical School, directly advancing new research programs, including new precision diagnostics for neurology and three international Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) grants that connect clinicians, researchers and collaborators across the globe.

This is a rare opportunity to apply your bioinformatics and data science capabilities to a variety of research platforms, including genomics, proteomic, transcriptomic, analysing microscopy, imaging, and clinical data, and developing the tools and pipelines that help our researchers turn complex datasets into scientific discovery and diagnostic applications.

About the Role

Reporting to Professor Glenda Halliday, you will be involved in the full lifecycle of research data, from collection and organisation through to analysis, visualisation and sharing. Indicative datasets include genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic, microscopy, imaging, clinical and related metadata. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Collecting, generating and organising source research data into structured repositories.

• Analysing data using existing tools and developing new analytic tools, code and processing pipelines as required.

• Visualising and presenting data using specialised bioinformatics tools.

• Setting up and configuring data processing platforms and environments at the University and with trusted external partners, including the use of containerisation for workflows and pipelines.

• Helping the Halliday Team and FMHHS research staff access tools and building their capability through training and advice.

• Contributing to research publications and outputs, including data formatting, presentation and sharing, and uploading data and code to publicly accessible repositories.

• Working within human research ethics approvals (HREC), the Privacy Act and the My Health Records Act, and adhering to EEO and WHS policies.

About Us

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences (FMHHS) is pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking to help address some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. The faculty forms part of MQ Health, an integrated academic health sciences enterprise incorporating Macquarie University Hospital and primary and speciality clinics. We have active research programs in biomedical and clinical sciences, cognitive and brain sciences, health systems, linguistics, physiotherapy, psychology and public health, and host the internationally acclaimed Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI).

About You

You are an experienced Research Data Scientist who enjoys applying technical expertise to research problems and helping others build their own data capability. You bring secure data handling knowledge, strong bioinformatics skills, and a genuine interest in contributing to research that makes a difference.

Essential Selection Criteria (Level A and Level B)

• A master's qualification or above, with demonstrable experience in data science supporting research programs, from data collection and analysis through to visualisation and sharing.

• Knowledge of secure data handling protocols and procedures, including applying institutional data sensitivities to datasets.

• Skills in image analysis and bioinformatics approaches, with programming ability in R, Python, and Jupyter Notebook.

• Experience with version control systems (Git/GitLab/GitHub) and workflow languages (e.g. Nextflow, Common Workflow Language).

• Experience using data processing environments and platforms (e.g. NCI, ARDC Nectar Research Cloud, JupyterLab, Neurodesk) and with machine learning (Torch/PyTorch).

• Clear communication and documentation skills, including the ability to document research tools, code and analytical processes, and to explain complex data concepts to researchers and collaborators across the Medical School.

• Familiarity with HPC platforms, containerised applications, FAIR data principles (Desirable)

Selection Criteria for Level B (in Addition to the Criteria Above)

• A PhD or progress toward a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, neuroscience or related.

• A demonstrated track record of research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, data publications, code repositories, or equivalent demonstrated scholarly activities relevant to brain health, neurodegeneration, bioinformatics, genomics, imaging or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, including independently designing, developing and implementing analytical frameworks, bioinformatics pipelines and data platforms with minimal day-to-day supervision.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online and attach your Resume and a separate Cover Letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria above.

We kindly request that you indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying for this position at Academic Level A or Academic Level B, so the selection panel can assess your application against the relevant criteria.

Applications Close

Applications for this role will close on Wednesday 30th September at 11.59 PM AEST.

Specific Role Enquiries

For role-specific enquiries, please reach out to Professor Glenda Halliday at glenda.halliday@mq.edu.au.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

• 17% Superannuation

• Subsidised onsite parking options

• Extensive training and professional development programs

• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents

• Onsite vacation care during school holidays

• Discounted health insurance

• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support

• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

30/09/2026 11:59 PM

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