Senior Database Developer - Research Computing Facility at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Database Developer - Research Computing Facility
Company: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Job Type: Hybrid (12-month fixed-term, full-time opportunity)
Category: Database Development & Administration
Date Posted: June 25, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

Build and support REDCap databases for research, clinical, and operational projects
Collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and administrators to meet project requirements
Provide technical support and troubleshoot production database issues
Keep up-to-date with local and international trends in REDCap database development
Contribute to policy and operational procedure development, and participate in routine platform maintenance
Foster a collaborative database user/developer community and provide training and education on data management best practices

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🔄 Database Development & Support

Design, develop, and test databases to meet stakeholder requirements
Migrate data across data capture platforms as required
Establish and advise on the integration of data platforms for specific projects
Monitor use of databases in production to proactively manage data integrity issues
Troubleshoot and resolve production database issues
Provide users with advice and technical support on problem rectification and tailored database improvement upon request

📊 Data Management

Perform medium and high-level data management tasks throughout the project life cycle, including validation, data quality assurance, data cleaning, manipulation, and delivery
Manage data archiving and destruction in compliance with institutional data policies and procedures
Manage user permissions and ensure compliance with data management best practices

🤝 Communication & Collaboration

Communicate complex or technical concepts clearly and precisely to a diverse range of users
Maintain highly developed relationship management and consulting skills
Solicit feedback collegiately to improve personal and team performance
Actively participate in team meetings and planning sessions
Identify issues that affect team performance and contribute to a positive work environment

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in health, medical, or biological studies, or relevant IT qualifications with relevant work experience

Experience: Proven experience in database development, ideally with REDCap, and a background in health, medical, or biological studies. Knowledge of data management concepts and relevant IT qualifications are also considered.

Required Skills:

Experience in database development in research and clinical contexts, ideally with experience designing REDCap databases
Experience in database platform administration and application of institutional data policies and procedures
Understanding of data and data management concepts in research and clinical contexts
Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and SQL
Qualifications in health, medical, or biological studies. IT qualifications will also be considered with relevant work experience

Preferred Skills:

Experience with other database systems
Knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and project management tools

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A portfolio showcasing database development projects, with a focus on REDCap databases
Examples of data management tasks, including data cleaning, manipulation, and delivery
Demonstrations of problem-solving skills and technical support provided to users

Technical Documentation:

Detailed documentation of database design, data management processes, and user permissions
Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards
Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration details

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified in the job description. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Senior Database Developer in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia is approximately AU$110,000 - AU$150,000 per year.

Benefits:

Up to AU$11,660 in salary packaging to increase take-home pay
Discounted health insurance and eye care
A comprehensive health and wellbeing program
Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
Pathways for professional development and new career opportunities
Five weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, and purchased leave options
Flexible, hybrid working practices

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and Research

Company Size: Medium (approximately 2,500 employees)

Founded: 1961

Team Structure:

The Research Computing Facility team consists of database developers, administrators, and support staff
The team collaborates with researchers, clinicians, and administrators across various departments and projects
The team follows Agile methodologies and participates in regular sprint planning and code review processes

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies and sprint planning for database development projects
Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices are in place to ensure data integrity and security
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management processes are established to maintain efficient database operations

Company Website: https://www.petermac.org/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Database Developer - Research Computing Facility

Reporting Structure: The Senior Database Developer reports directly to the Manager of the Research Computing Facility and collaborates with other database developers, administrators, and support staff

Technical Impact: The Senior Database Developer has a significant influence on research, clinical, and operational projects by ensuring data integrity, availability, and security. They contribute to the development and maintenance of REDCap databases, which support various research and clinical projects across the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: The Senior Database Developer can specialize in specific database systems, such as REDCap, and become an expert in database development and management within the organization
Team Leadership: With experience and proven performance, the Senior Database Developer may have the opportunity to lead a team of database developers and administrators, overseeing database development and management projects
Architecture & Design: The Senior Database Developer can advance their career by focusing on database architecture and design, contributing to the development of new database systems and infrastructure

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (a combination of on-site and remote work)

Office Location(s): 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Workspace Context:

The Research Computing Facility provides a collaborative work environment with multiple monitors and testing devices available for database development and support tasks
The team interacts with various stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and administrators, fostering a cross-functional collaboration approach
The workspace offers flexible working arrangements, allowing team members to balance their work and personal responsibilities

Work Schedule: Full-time (80 hours per fortnight with monthly ADOs)

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's experience and suitability for the role
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of the candidate's database development and management skills, focusing on REDCap databases and data management tasks
Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork abilities, as well as their cultural fit with the organization
Final Evaluation: A review of the candidate's overall fit for the role, based on their technical skills, experience, and cultural alignment with the organization

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant database development and management projects, with a focus on REDCap databases
Include specific examples of data management tasks, problem-solving, and technical support provided to users
Demonstrate an understanding of data management best practices and institutional data policies and procedures
Showcase the ability to collaborate with stakeholders and contribute to a positive work environment

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on REDCap database development and management skills, including data validation, cleaning, and manipulation
Familiarize yourself with the organization's data management policies and procedures
Prepare for problem-solving scenarios and be ready to discuss your approach to database development and management challenges

ATS Keywords: Database Development, REDCap, Data Management, SQL, HTML, JavaScript, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Communication, Stakeholder Management, Research Computing Facility, Cancer Research, Clinical Databases

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Database Developer - Research Computing Facility position:

Submit your application through the Peter Mac Careers page
Prepare a covering letter outlining your relevant key skills and experience to assist with the assessment
Tailor your resume to highlight your database development and management experience, as well as your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders
Research the organization and the role to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission, values, and data management practices
Prepare for the interview process by reviewing the job description, portfolio requirements, and technical assessment guidelines

📝 Enhancement Note: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Database Development & Administration Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to database development and administration roles
Include database management best practices, data integrity, and security considerations
Emphasize data management tasks, data quality assurance, and data cleaning processes
Address database platform administration, user permissions management, and institutional data policy compliance
Highlight the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and administrators
Provide specific guidance on portfolio requirements, focusing on database development and management projects

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about database development and administration processes, with clear reasoning based on role level and web technology industry practices
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text
Strategically distribute database development and administration-relevant keywords throughout all sections naturally
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and database development and administration specialization

Industry Expertise:

Include specific database systems, such as REDCap, and relevant database development and management skills
Address data management concepts, data quality assurance, and data cleaning processes in the context of research and clinical projects
Highlight the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and the need for strong communication and problem-solving skills
Provide tactical advice for database portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies
Include database interview preparation and coding challenge guidance tailored to database development and administration roles
Emphasize the importance of data security, data integrity, and compliance with institutional data policies and procedures

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout
Use database development and administration industry terminology appropriately and accurately
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to database development and administration professionals
Provide actionable insights that give database development and administration candidates a competitive advantage
Focus on database development team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement

Database Development & Administration-Specific Insights:

Emphasize the importance of data management tasks, including data validation, cleaning, and manipulation
Address data security, data integrity, and compliance with institutional data policies and procedures
Highlight the need for strong problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork abilities in database development and administration roles
Provide specific guidance on portfolio expectations, including database design, data management processes, and user permissions documentation
Include database interview preparation and coding challenge guidance tailored to database development and administration roles
Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with local and international trends in database development and management

Senior Database Developer - Research Computing Facility