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The opportunity

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​Bring your expertise in material synthesis and testing
• Be a valued part of CSIRO's Energy business based in Kensington, Perth 
• Create a dynamic career path in this exciting role 

CSIRO is one of the world’s largest and most successful publicly funded research and development organisations. We are committed to outcome-focused research that will generate economic, environmental, and social benefits. We maximise the impact we deliver for Australia by focusing on solving its greatest challenges. As Australia’s national science and engineering agency our innovation and excellence places us in the top ten applied research agencies in the world. We’re the people behind Wi-Fi, soft contact lenses and the Hendra virus vaccine – and we’re Australia’s leading patent holder.

The energy sector in Australia is undergoing a major transition. The four key components of the sector - electricity, industry, transport and exports - are evolving to enable Australia's transition to a net-zero emissions energy future. Disruption across the sector will demand new energy science and digital technologies, with profound impacts across the economy. CSIRO plays an important role in providing advanced energy research and development to assist governments, industry and the community, in the energy transition.

We are currently seeking a Research Project officer who is enthusiastic to join the direct air capture team to support a number of strategic and commercial projects that are looking at deploying CSIRO's CO2 capture technology into the field. In this role, you will work with the team on scaling carbon capture technologies designed for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and point sources of CO2. You will assist with the synthesis of new materials and their detailed characterisation to support scale-up of carbon capture technologies and work with multiple scientists from multiple groups within CSIRO Energy at the Kensington site. 

Your duties will include:

• Synthesize new materials for carbon capture and work with the project team to design these materials and methodologies to access materials.
• Perform HSE analysis of synthetic methodologies to select the correct practices to carry out the synthesis safely, also adhering to CSIRO HSE policies
• Design and perform experiments and laboratory analysis.
• Design new materials and processes by adapting existing techniques and components to meet special circumstances or undertake modifications to methods requiring some innovation.
• Design data recording and entry systems.
• Conduct literature reviews, investigations and inspections in the laboratory including associated analysis possibly involving statistical or graphics software.
• Perform some non-routine analyses or technology development activities using a range of techniques, often working on a number of parallel and competing tasks.
• Independently test possible solutions to resolve identified problems.

Location: Kensington, Perth, WA

Salary: AU$93k - AU$105k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years / Full-time

Reference: 96807

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• Relevant trade certificate/diploma/bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in chemistry, chemical engineering or material synthesis
• Demonstrated experience with material synthesis and testing.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering.
• Requires technical skills in material analysis in order to test the developed materials.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Teams).

Desirable

• PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering.
• Experience with experimental instrumentation and controls.
• Experience handling new materials safely including use of correct PPE.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

30 June 2024, 11:00pm AEST