Research Projects Officer

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

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  for more information.

The opportunity 

We are actively seeking a research project officer to be a part of the Solar Technologies Group, within CSIRO's Energy Research Unit. You will work within a multidisciplinary engineering & scientific team, responsible for delivering project milestones for a range of funded projects, primarily contributing to the delivery of research projects developing new photovoltaic technologies.

This position plays a key role in the fabrication and characterisation of solar cells, with a strong focus on thin‑film deposition across multiple techniques. You will support the operation of a cutting-edge laboratory by maintaining specialised equipment, contributing to continuous improvements, and upholding high standards of laboratory stewardship. Working closely with a collaborative research team, you will help ensure smooth, efficient, and innovative facility operations.

This opportunity is a laboratory scientist role that requires the candidate to be present on-site. 

Your high-level duties will include: 

Role particulars

Location:  Newcastle, NSW.

Salary: AU$100K – AU$113K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation/ share combined salary too

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-time 

Reference: 

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

Desirable

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 Talent Consultant  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 that 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 only. Appointment to this role is subject to the 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 well-being of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document. 

Applications close 

31 January 2026, 11:00 pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will review applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.