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
- Build scientific leadership skills and pursue new ideas and approaches
- Conduct innovative research relating to ATNF observational capabilities
- Launch your Bolton Fellowship success story in a supportive environment at CSIRO
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 Bolton Research Scientist is Australia's longest standing prize fellowship, and provides an outstanding opportunity for research in Australia. As the Bolton Research Scientist, you will be well supported to build upon your strong emerging career as an independent researcher. You will engage in scientific activity ranging from fundamental research, through to the investigation of specific industry or community problems. In this prestigious early career role, you will undertake independent research and/or development in any area relevant to the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) observational capabilities.
Previous Bolton Fellows and Scientists are now engaged in successful careers with organisations such as the NRAO in the US, the SKAO in the UK, and ASTRON in the Netherlands, with others founding thriving start-up companies in Australia and abroad. To our great advantage, many Bolton recipients have remained with CSIRO’s Space and Astronomy business unit, and continue to grow and thrive in careers at the ATNF.
CSIRO Space and Astronomy is committed to providing a safe and inclusive work culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and equity within our workplaces. This role is offered on a full‐time, part‐time or job share basis. Note that visa sponsorship may not be available for part-time appointments.
Your high-level duties will include:
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Conduct innovative, high‑impact astrophysics research in collaboration with senior scientists, delivering outcomes of strategic importance to CSIRO.
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Undertake experimental and observational research, including supervision and training of others, to ensure robust research design and delivery.
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Contribute to the planning, preparation and execution of competitive research proposals requiring originality and innovation.
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Enhance and support the Australia Telescope National Facility and address complex research problems through rigorous design and investigation.
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Communicate research outcomes through international conferences and active collaboration across disciplines to drive scientific innovation.
Role particulars
Location and office arrangements: Marsfield (Sydney, NSW), Narrabri (NSW), Parkes (NSW), or Kensington (Perth, WA), Australia
Salary: AU$118K – AU$127K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation
Tenure & work schedule: Specified Term of 4 years; Full-time, or Part-time with term up to 5 years [part-time opportunity is not applicable for overseas applicants requiring visa sponsorship support)
Reference: 102403
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
- A doctorate (PhD) in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related discipline, where the doctoral research demonstrates strong relevance to radio astronomy, astronomical instrumentation, data analysis, or supporting software and technologies.
- A record of science innovation and creativity, plus the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
- Demonstrated aptitude to initiate and lead a research project aligned with Space and Astronomy’s capabilities and strategic priorities.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
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 the Talent Acquisition Partner via email (see details in the Position Description) and let us know how we can support you.
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship may be provided to the successful candidate if required).
Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
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.
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 provide a CV and a detailed cover letter, responding to each of the selection criteria in detail (as outlined in the position description), 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
22 March 2026, 11:00pm AEDT
We strongly encourage early applications as we will be reviewing applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to close the advertising early if we find our desired candidate.
