Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The opportunity

• Contribute to the advancement of research and technology within the Gas Process Engineering Team
• Play a key role to drive innovation in sustainable energy practices
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s National Science Agency

The CSIRO Gas Process Engineering Team is dedicated to developing decarbonisation solutions for industries heavily reliant on carbon-intensive fuels.

This team’s diverse project portfolio encompasses hydrogen utilisation and storage, biofuels, synthetic fuels, low-carbon hydrogen production, and carbon dioxide utilisation. They are committed to driving innovation in sustainable energy practices.

The team leverages state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at Clayton, Victoria, and Kensington, Western Australia.

Drawing on expertise in catalyst synthesis, hydrogen combustion, gas process development, material analysis, pilot scale design, and specialist equipment fabrication, the team has forged significant external collaborations to advance zero-carbon fuel technologies.

As a Research Scientist/Engineer at CSIRO, you will lead innovative research aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and supporting our strategic goals. Your work will span fundamental research to solving specific industry and community challenges, focusing on technologies that contribute to Australia’s net-zero emissions targets.

You will play a lead role in securing project funds, provide scientific leadership, and pursuing innovative ideas and approaches that create new concepts.

The ideal candidate would bring a strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or process engineering related to sustainable and/or synthetic fuel production from low carbon feedstocks.

Your duties will include:

• Developing and executing innovative research programs: You will conceive, design, and implement challenging yet achievable research plans focused on cutting-edge technologies like green methane, power-to-ammonia, hydrogen for industrial heat, and e-fuels. Collaborating closely with research managers and clients, you will also negotiate the necessary resources to ensure successful project execution.

• Formulating and implementing comprehensive research plans: Leveraging your professional expertise, knowledge of other disciplines, and research experience, you will formulate, develop, and complete approved research programs under general direction.

• Providing expert technical contributions: You will contribute your specialised knowledge to existing projects, particularly in the areas of green methane production and power-to-ammonia process design.

• Leading significant research projects: As a research leader, you will be responsible for securing project funding, providing scientific leadership, and overseeing the successful delivery of significant research projects. Your ability to inspire and motivate teams will be essential in achieving project goals.

• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team: You will work effectively with a diverse group of researchers across different disciplines and locations to achieve CSIRO's scientific objectives. Your ability to foster collaboration and teamwork will be vital in driving innovation and achieving shared goals.

• Performing other duties as assigned: In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, you may be required to undertake other duties as directed by your supervisor. Your adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges will be valuable assets in this role.

Location: Clayton, VIC or Kensington, WA

Salary: AU$126,313 - AU$148,014 per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term of 3 years, Full-time

Reference: 97567

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• PhD or equivalent qualification in chemistry, chemical engineering, process engineering, or a related field.
• A publication history of authorship on scientific papers in peer reviewed journals, technical reports, grant applications and/or inventorship on patent applications.
• Experience leading the generation and execution of research projects related to zero carbon fuels and/or industrial decarbonisation research production such as:
  • Decarbonisation technologies including carbon-free fuels (green ammonia & hydrogen), H2 production and e-fuel production,
  • Hydrogen and or ammonia for industrial heat,
  • Catalyst development for novel renewable energy processes, and/or
  • Development of catalytic reaction processes & systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and lead cross-functionally with engineers, scientists, and researchers to leverage collective expertise in achieving project goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply scientific principles to practical challenges.

Desirable

• Experience taking early-stage technologies through to pilot scale implementation and successful commercialisation.
• Experience in integration of techno-economic analysis of zero-carbon fuels into the wider energy and societal systems.
  

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian Temporary Residents, with an existing valid visa and unrestricted work rights for the duration of the 3-year term, and no requirement for visa sponsorship from CSIRO.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

Sunday 27th October 2024 11:00pm AEDT.