Date: 9 Jan 2026
Location: Canberra, ACT, AU
Company: CSIRO
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
- Deliver innovative research that shapes environmental solutions for Australia
- Lead and collaborate on high-impact water modelling projects
- Build networks and drive scientific breakthroughs with a multidisciplinary team
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 Environment Research Unit is seeking a Research Scientist specialising in hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling for its Water Security Program. In this dynamic role, you will conduct innovative research addressing water resource assessment and floodplain inundation, contributing to high-impact projects that benefit both Australia and international communities. The successful candidate will support integrated water resource management efforts and assess how development impacts water systems and the environment.
You will have opportunities to collaborate across diverse, interdisciplinary teams, build and nurture professional networks, and play a proactive role in securing research funding. Responsibilities also include providing scientific leadership, developing new methodologies, and supporting other projects within the portfolio. If you have a passion for transforming scientific ideas into solutions for environmental challenges, and are ready to drive change in water science and management, we encourage you to apply.
Your high-level duties will include:
- Incorporate novel approaches to scientific investigations by adapting and/or developing original concepts and ideas for new, existing and further research.
- Conduct original research in hydrological science, hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling.
- Strong delivery to high impact external projects.
- Contribute to inter-disciplinary research in CSIRO and Environment Research Unit, particularly in the areas of floodplain inundation modelling, integrated water resource management and development impacts.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
- Produce high quality scientific and/or engineering papers suitable for publication in quality journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
- Work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, often regionally dispersed research team, to undertake independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of more senior Research Scientists/Engineers.
- Under the guidance of Senior Research Scientists/ Engineers, work collaboratively and honestly with internal and external colleagues, clients and partners to help define and satisfy objectives for small to medium research projects.
- Assist in leading small research projects, including the negotiation of resource requirements.
Role particulars
Location: Canberra (Black Mountain), ACT
Salary: AU$100k – AU$127k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) + 15.4% superannuation*
Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, Full-time
Reference: 102283
*This position is offered across two levels, the appointment level will be determined by the qualifications, skills and relevant experience of the successful candidate.
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
Essential criteria
- A doctorate or equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline area, such as hydrology
- Demonstrated experience in hydrology, hydraulic and hydrodynamic modelling.
- Demonstrated experience in landscape hydrological modelling and complex spatial analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in programming and working with large datasets that cover large spatial and temporal scales.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, and carry out independent individual research, to achieve organisational goals.
- A record of science innovation and creativity plus the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
- Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to publish research results, prepare reports and present the results of scientific investigations at national and international conferences and stakeholder meetings.
- A growing record of publication in quality, peer reviewed journals.
- A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
Desirable criteria
- Experience with python and ArcGIS programming and use of 1-D and 2-D hydrodynamic models.
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 Laura Mason via Careers.Online@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/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and candidates who either hold, or are able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be provided to the successful candidate if required).
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
8 February 2025, 11:00pm AEDT
