Experimental Research 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

• Contribute to cutting-edge quantum and superconducting research with real scientific impact
• Combine hands-on experimentation with strong analytical thinking, undertaking cryogenic and low-noise experiments
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance CSIRO’s world-leading science and national priorities

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 

At CSIRO we accelerate sustainable, globally competitive manufacturing for Australia through leading-edge, commercially viable and scalable solutions. 

The Manufacturing Research Unit’s strategy is helping to galvanise Australia’s manufacturers through world-leading materials science and engineering and propelling Australian industry to the forefront of high quality, high tech and environmentally sustainable production. Pivoting to harness digital technologies, CSIRO is directly supporting industry to adopt agile manufacturing technologies and approaches.

Find out more here: https://www.csiro.au/en/about/people/business-units/Manufacturing

As an Experimental Research Scientist in CSIRO’s Quantum Devices team, you will contribute to world-leading research in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) electronic devices, circuits and sensors. Working closely with scientists and engineers, you will support the detailed planning and delivery of experimental research by measuring, analysing and characterising the electrical and magnetic properties of superconducting devices, often at cryogenic temperatures. The role combines hands-on experimental work with strong analytical capability, applying theoretical physics to interpret results and inform continuous improvement of superconducting electronic circuits and quantum sensors. Through your contribution to experimental design, data analysis, problem solving and clear communication of results, you will play a key role in advancing CSIRO’s scientific objectives and delivering high-impact research outcomes.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Measure electrical and magnetic characteristics of sensors at cryogenic temperatures.
• Apply theoretical physics to help inform and interpret results obtained from low-noise, cryogenic experiments on superconducting devices.
• Collate, analyse and interpret measurements using statistical analysis and other data fitting procedures
• Contribute to the improvement and development of new measurement techniques (DC and RF) and analyse results.
• Select the most efficient line of attack for a problem using troubleshooting and problem solving skills and prepare experimental protocols.
• Present analysed results in a succinct and quantifiable format for peer review and incorporation into reports and/or publications.

Role particulars & eligibility

• Location: Lindfield, NSW (site-based role)
• Salary: AU$100k – AU$113k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation
• Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 3 years, full time. Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.                  
• Reference: 102134
• Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only and appointment to this role is subject to obtaining or having existing Negative Vetting 2, Australian security clearance.

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A higher degree (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as physics or engineering.
• A sound knowledge of theoretical physics preferably superconductivity and/or condensed matter physics and the ability to creatively apply this to the measurement of superconducting or other quantum-based sensors.
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking electrical transport measurements and knowledge of the experimental considerations of low-noise electromagnetic and quantum sensing measurements.
• Familiarity with scientific programming for data analysis and hardware interfacing (specific language is not critical).
• Demonstrated capability in planning, troubleshooting, organising data collection, and analysing experimental data including statistical and fitting techniques with a large number of parameters.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance which requires Australian Citizenship.
• Experience in cryogenic experimental measurement and machine learning to help extract information from large datasets is desirable, as is an interest in developing other quantum-based sensors for applications.

For full details about this role, and all criteria, please review the Position Description. Please note: Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that individuals may have different needs, and we’re happy to discuss what adjustments to our process may help you feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. Please contact careers.online@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Life, benefits 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 Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

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 

26th January 2026, 11:00pm AEDT