Research Assistant - Plant Science

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

• Grow, maintain and sample plants in controlled facilities and glasshouses
• Collect, record and manage experimental data to support research outcomes
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory and research operations

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 

The role of research support staff in CSIRO is to collaborate in scientific and technological activities with other research staff usually by assisting with detailed planning, undertaking, or assisting with experimental, observational or technology development work, and in carrying out the more practical aspects of the work. The Research Assistant will provide technical support to the laboratory and glasshouse activities of the Synthetic Traits research program at CSIRO Black Mountain, Canberra.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Supplying and maintaining plant material in growth cabinets and glasshouses, sampling plants, and data recording.
• Under general supervision, perform routine experimental or operational tasks requiring skills which have been developed through experience or training.
• May assist in establishing experiments, monitor, summarise and record results and typically are required to maintain a record of experimental results.
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy and diversity initiatives.
• Other duties as directed.

Role particulars

Location: Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$61k - AU$73k per annum + 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 12 months, Full-time 

Reference: 103742

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

• Completion of Year 12 education and/or relevant work experience with plants.
• Experience delivering high-quality customer service or operational support.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in working with plants.
• Experience in working in PC2 laboratory.
• A current driver’s licence.

 
For full details about this role, and other criteria, 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 Laura Mason via Careers.Online@csiro.au 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 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, Australian Permanent Residents, and Australian Temporary Residents with a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to 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 wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria of this role.

Applications close 

9 August 2026, 11:00pm AEST