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 in a world-class research & development precinct 
• Supportive, rewarding, inclusive and truly collaborative environment 
• ​​​Join CSIRO and support Australia's premier scientific organisation! 

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 Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP, formally known as AAHL) helps protect Australia’s multi-billion dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats. It is a high-containment facility designed to allow scientific research into the most dangerous infectious agents in the world. Visit the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness - CSIRO  for more information.

The opportunity

The Large Animal Facility (LAF) capability is essential for supporting the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) Diagnostic Surveillance and Response Program's response and research obligations, as well as those of the Health and Biosecurity Research Unit. ACDP seeks to appoint an Animal Technician to assist in the Biocontainment Large Animal Facility (LAF) to provide support to large animal services to CSIRO science and research teams.  

Are you ready to take your technical skills to the next level in a world-class biocontainment facility? The LAF team is seeking two dedicated Animal Technicians to support cutting-edge research at PC3 & PC4 containment levels. This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of infectious disease research, where your contribution directly supports scientific breakthroughs and safeguards public health.
You'll be part of a tight-knit, professional team responsible for, providing expert animal care and welfare, collecting and managing samples and data from infected research animals, collaborating with scientists and veterinarians and upholding rigorous quality assurance and biosafety standards.

This role involves weekend and occasional shift work, and requires individuals who are medically and psychologically fit, security-cleared, and vaccinated for high-risk pathogens. If you're passionate about science, animal welfare, and making a real-world impact, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Animal husbandry and welfare - Apply knowledge of animal care and behaviour, ensuring ethical treatment and compliance with approved protocols.
• Technical Support in Containment – Assist with research procedures and collect biological samples from animals in PC3/PC4 microbiological containment.
• Compliance & Ethics – Ensure adherence to Animal Ethics Committee protocols and microbiological security regulations.
• Collaboration & Communication – Liaise effectively with scientists, veterinarians, and technical team members to support research outcomes.
• Record Keeping & Quality Systems – Maintain accurate records and contribute to the development of monitoring and compliance systems.
• Facility Operations – Support the running of multiple animal facilities, including manual labour and logistical problem-solving.
• Flexibility & Teamwork – Participate in rostered weekend and after-hours work, and foster strong team relationships.
• Safety & Standards – Uphold CSIRO’s values, safety policies, and contribute to a culture of Zero harm.

Role particulars

Location: Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC

Salary: AU$73k to AU$93k pa (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite / Full-time

Reference: 100896

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (science, agriculture, veterinary, nursing), or demonstrated 3+ years equivalent experience.
• Prior experience with husbandry and handling a broad range of species, such as domestic livestock, laboratory animals, and/or wildlife.
• Willingness to work with animals infected with serious zoonotic disease agents, following appropriate training, including the wearing of personal protective equipment (biocontainment suits inclusive).
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and harmoniously in a team, as well as the ability to work independently towards team goals.
• A flexible approach to be available as part of the team roster for weekend and after-hours work.
• Excellent computer literacy and data management skills.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in working within a quality assurance system. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical procedures such as the collection of biological samples from animals.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and understand accurate records in a research and diagnostic facility.
• Experience in working at high levels of bio-containment (BSL3 or 4).
• An understanding of working with Animal Ethics and Protocols.

CSIRO thrives on innovation; innovation that is harnessed by the diversity of the minds and lived experiences brought to our greatest challenges. If you meet some, but not all, requirements, we would still encourage you to submit your application. 

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

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. 

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens 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.

How to Apply

Please apply online, and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages), responding to each of the selection criteria in detail, 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

30 September 2025, 11:00 pm AEST

We encourage early applications as we will be starting to review applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date if required.