What it does: Scientific and Engineering research
Staff stats: Over 5500 staff plus large numbers of students
The good bits: Making revolutionary scientific breakthroughs
The not so good bits: Periodic funding cuts, public service bureaucracy, but is not subject to all bureaucracy of typical government agencies
Hiring grads with degrees in: Health & Medical Sciences; Sciences; Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration
Since 1926 the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has had a profound impact on the day to day lives of Australians including controlling rabbit and prickly pear plagues, improving the clothes on their backs, the food they eat and helping us to stay well. It helped us see man on the moon, improved the phones in their hands and the money in their pockets. CSIRO holds more patents for scientific and engineering research than any other organisation in Australia.
Today CSIRO does research from the depths of the ocean to deep space. It is charged with improving the lives of Australian’s through its divisions of energy, environment and resources, agriculture and food, digital technology and future industries. The CSIRO has over 55 sites in Australia and three overseas local and international networks. The CEO, a member of Board, instigates the Corporate Plan set by the Board. The Board is overseen by the Minister for Industry and Science.
The CSIRO attracts world-renowned scientists and engineers and they provide opportunities for students to enhance their scientific and engineering learning through involvement in research. Over 150 summer vacation scholarships are offered each year and industrial experience students are encouraged to apply. The best students are offered postgraduate scholarships. Postdoctoral Fellows are actively recruited. CSIRO is the largest single provider of Postdoctoral Fellowships for scientists and engineers in Australia.
The culture is altruistic and inclusive. It fosters co-operative team-based research within its diverse, multi-cultural workforce. It encourages women to take up science, engineering and mathematics roles and is committed to encouraging more Indigenous people to work at CSIRO. CSIRO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cadetships are offered each year to applicants enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree. These cadetships include a study allowance during semester, 12 weeks of work experience with a stipend during the summer vacation period and payment of HECS fees upon successful completion of study.
The CSIRO’s purpose is, “They solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.” Among many other innovations, the world can thank the CSIRO for the invention of: Aerogard; polymer banknotes; Wi-Fi; the ‘Total Wellbeing’ (high protein, low carb) diet, vaccines and atomic absorption spectroscopy, which plays a significant role in pharmacology, biophysics and toxicology research.
CSIRO offers a challenging, and invigorating environment where you will get to work with amazing people who are achieving amazing things. You will contribute to and be part of an organisation that seeks to continually review and improve how it supports and rewards its staff, to create a workplace where staff can achieve their best.
At CSIRO, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.
CSIRO is Australia's national science research agency.
Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible. Fast WiFi, Aerogard insect repellent and the plastic Australian banknote, to name a few.
Until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge. We’re recruiting the next generation of inventors, innovators and change makers, from researchers to professionals.
With over 5500 people around the country working as a multidisciplinary team they can focus their research and development on solving complex problems that make a real difference to our future.
They manage state-of-the-art national research facilities and collections that allow us to explore the furthest reaches of the Universe and the unimaginable depths of the oceans.
The research informs policy, develops new industries and evolves existing sectors in collaboration with industry, government, academia and the community.
CSIRO Scholarships are our way of recognising and rewarding the academic excellence of students from high school (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) and undergraduates through to doctoral studies.
Postdoctoral Fellowships offer PhD graduates the opportunity to launch their scientific careers.
Undergraduate vacation scholarships
Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships offer students the opportunity of collaborating with their scientists.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate students who partner with CSIRO to complete their PhD studies will gain access to world-class facilities and have a unique opportunity to work alongside Australia’s leading research scientists.
Postdoctoral fellowships
They were committed to the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Their postdoctoral fellowships provide PhD graduates with experience working alongside leaders in science and engineering, as well as generous personal development and learning opportunities.
For more details on when and how to apply for these scholarships and career opportunities, please visit our website.
Over 150 undergraduates each year are given ‘Vacation Studentships’ over the summer break and receive a stipend. Some of those students “have been offered paid part-time employment; others have had the opportunity to undertake their Masters or PhD research jointly with us”. Vacation scholars come from a wide range of disciplines, need to be in either their third or fourth year with a credit average and ideally be considering postgraduate study.
While the CSIRO doesn’t have a conventional grad program, there are a few options for grads looking to get a foot in the door. You are encouraged to apply to do an ‘Industrial Traineeship’ if required as part of your degree. To be considered identify a CSIRO scientist working in an area relevant to your degree and contact them. Provide said scientist with your CV, academic transcript, proof you need to undertake a work placement and a brief statement about the type of project/research you’re interested in. He or she then decides whether to invite you into their research area. Traineeships typically last 3-6 months. They do not usually lead to a paid position but may be useful if you apply for an entry-level job at the CSIRO.
If you’re undertaking a PhD in science or engineering, you can apply for one of the CSIRO’s Postgraduate Scholarships. Those who win a scholarship “gain access to world-class facilities and have a unique opportunity to work alongside Australia’s leading research scientists”. Winning a scholarship doesn't guarantee a position but, once again, having done one will stand you in good stead if you apply for a CSIRO job down the track.
The good news is that once you’ve knocked off that PhD you can apply for one of the 50 or more CSIRO postdoctoral fellowships advertised each year. Like a grad program, these “are designed to equip new graduates to embark on careers as independent researchers” and include significant training and the opportunity to attend national and international conferences. However, you’re only offered employment for the three years the fellowship lasts with the option to complete an additional 3 years.
You’re not going to earn as much as you would in private industry but the CSIRO offers “competitive salaries, including yearly increments as detailed in the CSIRO Enterprise Agreement” plus up to 15% superannuation. On the plus side, you do get all kinds of leave, including flex, study, parental and maternity leave, four days ‘miscellaneous leave’ and the opportunity to take leave without pay if you get an exciting offer from a start-up.
The CSIRO is a government-owned corporation, 60% funded by the Australian Government. Funding cuts or shifts in policy direction can have a significant impact on staff. Even with these foibles, it has a history of employing scientists and engineers for long periods of time. Its staff turnover is well below the average for Australian organisations. If you can cope with its uncertainty, you may find it provides all the support and resources required to make the revolutionary scientific breakthrough you’ve long fantasised about.