Join LabNext70 - UNE's applied innovation lab at the forefront of AI in higher education

Shape UNE's AI future - lead the design and development of a university-wide AI platform
Full-time, two year fixed term role
Based at UNE's Armidale Campus - remote working arrangement available
Competitive salary with salary packaging options available

About the role

As the Senior Software Engineer (AI Systems) at LabNext70, you'll architect the systems that put large language models (LLMs) to work. This is a high-impact, hands-on role where you will design, develop, and deploy the AI-powered systems and backend infrastructure that power real innovation across the University and beyond.

You will be at the forefront of LabNext70's AI initiatives: building scalable systems that harness LLMs, designing and implementing advanced AI workflows, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate AI technologies into complex, real-world environments. From prototyping new concepts to optimising production systems for performance and scale, your work will directly shape how AI is applied at UNE.

This is a role for someone who loves building things and wants to keep doing it. You take a hard problem, strip it back to its essentials, and ship something clean, secure, and built to last.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Deep, hands-on experience as a direct contributor in Python backend development, with the architectural instincts to design systems that scale and stay maintainable without accruing tech debt
Proven experience designing and building complex systems end-to-end with a track record of taking ideas from concept through to production
Familiarity with React on the frontend, complementing a primary focus on backend architecture and delivery
A security-first mindset embedded in every design decision from the outset
Hands-on experience building and operating production systems on AWS, with infrastructure defined and managed as code rather than configured by hand
The ability to work across the full delivery cycle: from scoping and architectural decisions through to shipping production-quality code, with automated testing and CI/CD as standard practice
A natural inclination to elevate those around you through code quality, thoughtful reviews, and sound technical decisions
A considered and confident approach to technical decision-making, with the collaborative instincts to bring the team with you

About LabNext70

LabNext70 drives applied innovation and the strategic integration of artificial intelligence within the university. The Lab's activities span three integrated pillars:

Academic Innovation and Research: Leading an applied research program to design, pilot, and ship next-generation learning models, while accelerating the university's fundamental research agenda through AI integration and strategic collaboration with centres and institutes.
Strategic Partnerships and Commercial Enablement: Forging high-value industry partnerships and developing technology products that resource the Lab's mission, positioning the university at the forefront of the AI sector.
University-wide Integration and Capability: Embedding AI literacy, tools, and processes across academic and professional domains to elevate quality, efficiency, and equity, helping to co-architect the next-generation enterprise ecosystem that secures the university's digital future.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact Connor Ventura, Engineering Manager (AI), phone: (02) 6773 5109 email: c***@***********.

If you require any adjustments or support to fully participate (such as an alternative format for the application form) please contact your Talent Acquisition Consultant at j***@*********** or on 0* **** ****.

If you have a disability and would like a confidential conversation about working at UNE, you are welcome to contact our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description below.

To Apply

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 20 September 2026

Reference No: 225290

Please submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:

Your application should be comprised of:

Covering letter;
Responses to selection criteria (contained in the Position Description - see link below);
Current CV.

Applicants must be located in Australia and have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position.

UNE: A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At UNE, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the unique perspectives they bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute their best.

We warmly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with lived experience of mental health or disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQIA+.

UNE is committed to enabling all staff to thrive and ensuring that our LGBTIQIA+ community and staff from all cultures feel included and respected. Our UNE Ally Network is here for staff and students and for any questions, contact our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant.

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values: Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Accountable, Be Connected. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role, as indicated in the position description. This includes providing a National Police Check, Gender Based Violence Declaration and for some roles, a Working with Children Check prior to an offer of employment being made. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically excluded from applying for this position, unless a specific legal requirement applies. For more information, see UNE's Pre-Employment Check Webpage.

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