Reactive Gases Scientist

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

• Lead nationally significant and high-impact observations of reactive atmospheric gases
• Advance understanding of air quality and climate interactions
• Work across world-class platforms from Cape Grim to the Southern Ocean

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's Climate, Nature and Community Resilience program is seeking a Reactive Gases Scientist to join the Atmospheric Chemistry – Climate and Air Pollution team. The team combines observations, atmospheric chemistry and modelling to provide critical scientific information that informs responses to air quality and climate change challenges.

In this role, you will lead and develop a portfolio of long-term and campaign-based observations of key reactive gases and their interactions with atmospheric composition and climate. Your research will span surface ozone, oxidized nitrogen compounds and volatile organic compounds, as well as aerosol chemistry and the formation of secondary organic aerosols.

You will operate and develop advanced research-grade instrumentation, lead the delivery of high-quality observational datasets and work across nationally and globally significant platforms, including the Kennaook – Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station and the Research Vessel Investigator. Working with CSIRO, government, academic, industry and community partners, you will translate atmospheric chemistry expertise into practical solutions with real impact.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Lead high-impact observations of reactive gases and their role in atmospheric chemistry, air quality and climate
• Operate, maintain and develop advanced atmospheric chemistry instrumentation, including online time-of-flight mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy techniques
• Lead quality assurance, analysis, interpretation and delivery of high-resolution observational datasets to public repositories
• Develop and manage atmospheric chemistry research projects, impact-focused research plans and resource requirements
• Undertake fieldwork in environments ranging from the Southern Ocean to tropical Australia
• Contribute to aerosol chemistry research, including secondary organic aerosol formation from reactive gas-phase processes
• Build national and international networks and lead collaborative, customer-focused research projects
• Provide scientific advice to policy makers and communicate research outcomes to scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Lead and supervise staff to deliver safe, high-quality research within agreed timeframes and budgets
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and collaborative research environment aligned with CSIRO values and requirements

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: CSIRO Aspendale, Melbourne, VIC

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

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite. Part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements may be explored based on the needs of the role and individual circumstances.

Reference: 103946

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• A PhD, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience, in atmospheric or environmental chemistry or a relevant field, with at least three years of relevant post-PhD experience
• Demonstrated ability to deploy and operate research-grade instrumentation and obtain high-quality observational datasets
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research and pursue novel solutions to scientific problems
• A demonstrated publication history in peer-reviewed scientific journals and/or reports, grant applications or patent applications
• Proven experience developing, leading and managing projects and working effectively within a team
• Demonstrated ability to provide scientific leadership and support high-quality measurements of reactive gases and aerosols
• Experience delivering high-impact research relevant to reactive gases and atmospheric chemistry, climate and/or air quality
• Strong capability in analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, including proficiency in Python, R or similar programming tools
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government, industry or community stakeholders to develop and deliver projects, products, tools or services
• 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 let us know via email – careers.online@csiro.au 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 and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents.

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

14th October 2026, 11:59pm AEST