Research Project Officer - Geology

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

• Apply specialised microscopy techniques to analyse geological samples and generate high-quality scientific data.
• Support laboratory operations through sample collection, preparation, data management and reporting activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams while maintaining strong safety, quality and compliance standards.

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 Projects staff in CSIRO is to collaborate in scientific and technological activities with other research staff by undertaking or assisting with experimental, observational or technology development work, and in carrying out the more practical aspects of the work.

Working in the Geofluids Team of the Energy Business Unit, the successful applicant will be responsible for laboratory tasks in the delivery of research projects through the application of CSIRO’s fluid inclusion microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. CSIRO will provide training to, and mentor, the successful applicant. The scientific outcomes of the applied research relate to palaeo-fluid flow processes in sedimentary basins, which are widely applied across the energy industry, and will create opportunities for growth in emerging areas of the energy transition (such as CCS and hydrogen) as well as the digital transformation.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Microscope analysis of geological samples using CSIRO fluid inclusion techniques.
• Laboratory operations including assistance in the collection of geological rock material and preparation of samples.
• Database management including input, manipulation and extraction of data.
• Contribution to the delivery of written reports involving the use of various imaging, statistical and graphic software.
• Assist in maintaining Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) documentation and procedural approvals.
• 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.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary, research team to carry out tasks in support of CSIRO’s scientific objectives.
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment procedures and policy, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
• Other duties as directed.

Role particulars

Location: Kensington, Perth, WA

Salary: AU$76k - AU$96k per annum + 15.4% superannuation

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

Reference: 103494

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Minimum undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Geology.
• Experience with microscopy and associated analytical methods, in either an academic, research, or commercial laboratory environment.
• Skills in laboratory-based preparation of geological or environmental materials.

Desirable

• A higher-level qualification such as Honours or Masters in a relevant discipline such as Geology.
• Knowledge of fluid inclusion methods and applications.
• Relevant experience in sedimentary basin research and/or the energy sector.
• Skills in modern data analysis methods, including programming, machine learning, or Ai.

For full details about this role, 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

CSIRO 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, 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 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 

26 July 2026, 11:00pm AEDT