Research Assistant in Coleoptera

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

• Draw on your experience in a collections-based research environment
• Work within a world-leading insect collection and expert research team
• Coordinate delivery of a major CSIRO-published scientific volume

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 

Join CSIRO’s National Collections & Marine Infrastructure (NCMI) Research Unit and contribute to the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), one of the world’s most significant insect collections. 

We are seeking a highly motivated person with experience in collection-based beetle research and exceptional management skills to join ANIC as a Research Assistant.

In this role, you will support research on beetles of quarantine concern, helping to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity capability while contributing to national and international biodiversity knowledge. Working with leading scientists, you will also coordinate the production of a major scientific publication in the Australian Beetles series.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Supporting research activities such as sorting, mounting, dissecting and digitally imaging beetles and their diagnostic parts, constructing plates, and testing diagnoses and keys.
• Coordinating the production of, and directly contribute to, volume 4 of the “Australian Beetles” book series.
• Contributing to the preparation of high-quality scientific manuscripts suitable for publication.
• Supporting the curation and growth of CSIRO’s research collections in insect diversity.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Canberra (Black Mountain), ACT

Salary: AU$100,103 – AU$113,251 per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 2 years; full time

Reference:  103343

As the successful candidate, you will bring: 

• A relevant diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological sciences or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Substantial hands-on experience supporting taxonomic research on beetles in a collections-based environment, including:
  • Specimen dissection, imaging/photography;
  • Curation and management of scientific collections; and
  • Delivering specialised research support to meet complex research objectives.
• Experience producing high quality scientific illustrations using Adobe graphic software, contributing to the publication of high-quality research publications.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey accurate, evidence-based information clearly and appropriately to diverse audiences
• The ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within required timeframes, including the ability to carry out non-routine tasks under limited direction.
• The ability to investigate underlying issues of complex problems and develop appropriate responses by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.

 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 Cristina O’Brien via email at cristina.obrien@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 Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or candidates who hold (or can obtain) 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 cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

Sunday 5th July 2026, 11:00pm AEST