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 high‑impact research supporting energy‑efficient homes and Australia’s net zero 2050 targets.
- Advance national building energy tools, developing HVAC sizing methods within AccuRate and AccuRate Home for NatHERS.
- Work on applied, real‑world modelling that directly informs residential building standards and industry practice.
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 Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral research experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.
This postdoctoral fellowship sits within the Regulatory Tools team in the Energy Business Unit, which maintains and develops AccuRate, the benchmark software used for the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). Improving the energy performance of residential buildings is critical to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. HVAC systems are central to delivering energy‑efficient, healthy and comfortable homes. In this role, you will work closely with the team to develop a robust framework for sizing HVAC systems for Australian residential buildings and implement it in AccuRate Home (the NatHERS Whole‑of‑Home benchmark tool). This work will strengthen household energy consumption estimates, support practical appliance selection, and help industry deliver more comfortable and energy‑efficient homes, contributing to CSIRO’s role in supporting the Australian Government’s 2050 emissions reduction targets.
Your high-level duties will include:
- Conduct innovative, impactful research of strategic importance to CSIRO.
- Identify and progress opportunities for scientific innovation and new research directions.
- Undertake a comprehensive literature review of HVAC systems used in Australian residential buildings, including heat recovery systems.
- Develop methodologies for modelling heat recovery ventilation systems and HVAC sizing.
- Implement HVAC sizing and heat recovery ventilation modelling within the Chenath engine.
- Develop practical guidelines for refining HVAC sizing for residential buildings in Australia.
- Actively participate in professional development to build capability as an independent researcher.
Role particulars
Location: Melbourne (Clayton), VIC(Bunurong Country)
Salary: AU$103,390 – AU$113,251 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time), plus 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years, full‑time
Reference: 102298
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
- A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline such as thermal engineering, mechanical engineering or architecture. Please note: to be eligible for this role you must have no more than three years (full‑time equivalent) of relevant research experience.
- Background in mechanical engineering or building science, with demonstrated experience in building thermal performance simulation.
- Demonstrated experience analysing large data sets.
- High‑level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research outcomes to internal and external audiences.
- A strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals or equivalent scientific outputs.
- Evidence of scientific creativity and the ability to apply novel ideas to research challenges.
CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes, preference will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who meet the role criteria. CSIRO considers conscious inclusion practices intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).
For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review 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 [email protected] and let us know how we can support you.
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and Australian Temporary Residents currently residing in Australia who hold, or are able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term (visa sponsorship not required).
Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates being considered for the role under CSIRO’s Conscious Inclusion Practices may be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
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 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
6 April 2026, 11pm AEST
