Indigenous Research Manager - Indigenous Knowledges and Collections (Identified Role - Indigenous)

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

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The opportunity

• Are you passionate about embedding Indigenous knowledge systems and sovereignty into national science systems?
• Lead a transformative initiative supporting Indigenous leadership, governance, and data sovereignty in biodiversity collections and digital infrastructure
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation

We are seeking a highly motivated and culturally grounded professional to lead a nationally significant initiative that embeds Indigenous knowledge systems, governance, and data sovereignty principles into CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia (NRCA) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).

As the Indigenous Research Manager – Indigenous Knowledges and Collections, you will oversee the delivery of a major project co-designed with an established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to guide the ethical integration of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) principles into collections policy, governance, and practice.

Working closely with Indigenous Science and Engagement, Legal, and biodiversity teams, your role will focus on strengthening relationships, aligning project activities with national and international policy frameworks, and identifying opportunities for mutually beneficial research partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You will also support the identification of cultural capability gaps across teams and work in partnership with internal experts to guide appropriate development.

This is a research leadership opportunity to shape how Indigenous knowledges are respected, protected, and embedded within Australia's science infrastructure and to contribute to a future where Indigenous perspectives are integral to biodiversity research and data systems.

Your duties will include:

• Lead the delivery of an Indigenous co-designed research project within CSIRO’s National Research Collections and Digital Infrastructure project, including strategic planning, implementation, coordination, financial oversight, risk management, and delivery of outputs in line with reporting and governance requirements.
• Collaborate with the NCMI Science Director (as sponsor), Research Project Advisor – Indigenous Science, and the NRCA and ALA teams to co-design and implement project activities that centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, priorities, and governance.
• Support the effective operation of the established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group, ensuring culturally respectful processes, timely provision of information, and integration of guidance into project decisions and deliverables.
• Coordinate and engage with the CSIRO project advisory group, ensuring strategic alignment across business units and facilitating input into key decisions regarding Indigenous governance, data, and collections.

Location: Canberra (Ngunnawal), ACT preferred; other locations may be considered with hybrid working options available.

Salary:  AU$131K - AU$153K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation

Duration:  Specified Term until 30 June 2027 Full-time (preferred), however part-time and flexible working arrangements may be considered

Reference: 100614

To be considered you will need:

• Demonstrated experience in leading culturally grounded projects or programs that centre Indigenous knowledge systems, community priorities, or cultural governance.
• Foundational understanding of IDSov and ICIP, and the ability to lead and apply these principles in science, research, or data contexts or a strong ability to learn and adapt.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills, including demonstrated trust-based work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Experience in managing multi-stakeholder or cross-disciplinary projects, with responsibility for delivery, reporting, and navigating complex policy, cultural, and scientific environments. 

For details about who to contact and for more information please view the Position Description

Eligibility

CSIRO considers the filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Citizenship.

The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

The successful candidate will be required to provide contact details of at least one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Referee to confirm their ability to work and communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

To apply online, please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role.

Applications close

24th August 2025, 11:00pm AEST