Research Scientist/Engineer - Energy and Economic Modelling

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. 

Role highlights

• Work at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition.
• Play a leading role in energy system modelling and policy evaluation.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to influence critical energy policies.

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge. Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

CSIRO Energy is playing a pivotal role in Australia’s energy transition, spanning industries from energy efficiency in buildings to the operation of electricity systems. As a Research Scientist/Engineer Staff, you will lead research in energy and economic modelling, influencing key policy discussions and outcomes for Australia's energy future. This role presents an exciting opportunity to combine your expertise in energy systems with social, physical, and economic sciences to contribute to impactful research.

This role would require strong stakeholder management, and clear and articulate communication in English is important for the success of this position.

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Your high-level duties will include: 

• Developing and applying techno-economic models of the Australian energy system, particularly in the electricity and transport sectors.
• Evaluating and quantifying the impact of current and proposed policies on stakeholders across the energy sector.
• Conducting innovative research to address complex real-world problems in the energy sector.
• Communicating scientific findings through publications, reports, and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary research team, contributing to both independent and collective research initiatives.

Role particulars

Location:  Newcastle preferred, Brisbane, Canberra & Melbourne considered.

Salary: AU$135,571k – AU$158,863k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-time 

Reference: 101992

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in Economics, Social or Physical Sciences or a related field.
• Proven ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed teams.
• Experience managing multiple projects for both internal and external clients.
• Strong communication skills to publish research findings, prepare reports, and present at conferences.
• A passion for solving energy-related problems that drive real-world impact.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in energy system modelling
• Proficiency in the General Algebraic Modelling System (GAMS), Julia JuMP, Python PuLP, or similar LP framework
• Interest and experience in modern software engineering best practices
• Experience in the application of the TIMES or MARKAL energy systems model generators
• Energy sector domain knowledge, such as a general understanding of energy sources, technologies and common units and terms.

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

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting You Up for Success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Talent Consultant and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO. 

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise that true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian, New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety 

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

How to apply 

Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document. 

Applications close 

15 February 2026, 11:00 pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will review applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.