Location: Parkes, NSW, AU | Sydney, NSW, AU | Narrabri, NSW, AU
Company: CSIRO
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
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.
The opportunity
Join CSIRO Space & Astronomy as the Parkes Lead Scientist, overseeing the scientific output of the iconic 64-metre Parkes radio telescope, Murriyang—the largest single-dish telescope in the southern hemisphere. With recent and upcoming upgrades including an ultra-wide-band feed and CryoPAF, this role is central to shaping the telescope’s scientific future and supporting its user community.
You’ll drive high-impact research, contribute to system development and commissioning, and help steer the transition into the SKA era. Approximately 30% of your time will be dedicated to personal research. You’ll also coordinate observation schedules and ensure high telescope utilisation, liaising with astronomers and internal stakeholders.
Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous relocation support, and a collaborative, inclusive environment where work-life balance is valued. The role is available full-time, part-time or as a job share—let us know your preference in your application.
Your duties will include:
- Build and engage with the national and international user community, including sourcing external paying clients.
- Develop and manage the Murriyang telescope’s observation schedule, adjusting as needed.
- Lead scientific commissioning and prioritise upgrades to maintain world-class telescope capabilities.
- Drive high-impact science using Murriyang to showcase its capabilities.
- Oversee operations to ensure KPIs are met across user satisfaction, data quality, and availability.
- Support observatory operations and contribute to outreach activities.
Location: Parkes, Marsfield or Narrabri.
Salary: AU$131,113.00 - AU$153,639.00 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Indefinite
Reference: 99719
To be considered you will need:
Essential
As per CSIRO policy, only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
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A doctorate or equivalent research experience in a relevant field (e.g. Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Engineering).
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Proven ability to deliver high-impact science with single-dish radio telescopes, published in peer-reviewed journals.
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Willingness and ability to spend extended periods in Parkes, work flexible hours, and travel nationally and internationally.
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Demonstrated skill in designing and executing observations to test radio astronomy instrumentation, and in solving complex technical issues.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reporting, presenting, negotiating, and influencing key stakeholders.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team to achieve research goals.
Desirable
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Experience with pulsar or spectral line observing programs at centimetre wavelengths.
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Success in securing new funding or engaging new scientific user communities.
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Familiarity with Linux-based systems and scripting/programming languages used in radio astronomy.
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Willingness to reside in or near Parkes.
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
18th May 2025, 11:00pm AEST