Research Technician, CSIRO Energy Resources

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

• Contribute to Australia's clean energy transition through hands-on technical research
• Work in world-class core flooding and petrophysical labs with cutting-edge equipment
• Be part of a collaborative, safety-focused team solving real-world energy challenges

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.

About CSIRO Energy

CSIRO Energy is driving Australia’s shift to a low-carbon future by supporting a just and responsible energy transition. Within the Energy Resources Program, we work to decarbonise emissions-intensive industries, particularly the oil and gas sector, by advancing technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and exploring safe subsurface storage options for low-emissions energy such as hydrogen.

The opportunity 

As a Research Technician, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team working in CSIRO’s world-class laboratories at the Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC) in Perth (Boorloo). These labs feature cutting-edge x-ray imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance systems to study fluid behaviour in deep Earth conditions.

In this hands-on role, you’ll maintain and operate high-pressure laboratory equipment used for injecting fluids like CO₂ and brines into rock core samples—supporting innovative CCS research and the development of future-facing measurement systems. This role is open to applicants across two levels. Depending on experience, the role may be appointed at a senior level, with greater responsibility and autonomy.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Inspect, maintain and safely commission pumps, pressure vessels, fluid systems, and core flooding rigs.
• Assist with high-pressure laboratory experiments on fluid-rock interactions for major external client projects.
• Troubleshoot experimental setups and work with internal/external experts to resolve technical issues.
• Contribute to the design and improvement of lab systems for greater safety and efficiency.
• Participate in safety documentation, including Risk Assessments, Hazops, and Safe Work Instructions.
• Promote a positive, safety-first lab culture by staying current on required training and protocols.
• Support occasional fieldwork or visits to other CSIRO labs to share knowledge and gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies.

Role particulars

• Location and office arrangements: Perth (Kensington) – Boorloo.
• Salary (Salary band will be determined based on skills and experience across the following ranges):
  • CSOF 4: AU$96k - AU$109k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation
  • CSOF 5: AU$114k – AU$123k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 3 years. Options for part-time, job-share, hybrid and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.     
• Reference: 100545

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum, Instrumentation Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience handling high-pressure fluids and maintaining related equipment (e.g. pumps, vessels, pipelines).
• Knowledge of material compatibility and safety for gases and corrosive fluids under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions.
• Proficiency in fault diagnosis, repair, and upgrades of technical equipment.
• Proven ability to work safely and effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with high-pressure/high-temperature CO₂ or H₂ systems (e.g. supercritical CO₂).
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control systems for high-pressure flow systems.
• Knowledge of pressure vessel certification or safety registration requirements.
• Relevant trade qualifications and/or safety training and certifications relevant to high-pressure lab environments.
• Exposure to core flooding systems or fluid flow modelling in porous media.
• Background in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition systems.

 
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 nicole.poole@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 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 cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

5th August 2025, 11:59pm AEST