Job Description

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

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the Universe and fundamental physics. Our Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) Professional Services Consultant Team is an integral part of the broader SKAO AIV team, and the team plays a critical role in ensuring the successful integration and verification of the SKA-Low Telescope, one of the world’s most ambitious radio astronomy projects. Working in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with experts across science, engineering, and project delivery.

The System Scientist will be vital part of the Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV) Professional Services Consultant (PSC) Team, which is an integrated part of the larger SKAO AIV team. The AIV team is responsible forintegrating complex digital and RF electronic systems into the SKA LOW Telescope Signal Chain and verifying the Telescope to defined System Level requirementsduring the construction phase of the Low TelescopeThe role will include day-to-day technical and scientific leadership of AIV Team members to deliver these integration and verification activities in a dynamic environmentThis involves activities like writing and running Test Cases and investigating issues with Telescope components

If you’re passionate about advancing radio astronomy and contributing to a globally significant project, this is a great opportunity to apply your expertise and grow your career!

Applications are invited across two capability levels, and the successful candidate will be appointed at the level commensurate with their skills and experience. More detail around the difference between the two levels is outlined in the Position Description.

Your duties will include:

• Contribute to Integration and Verification activities as part of a multi-disciplinary, geographically dispersed team whilst ensuring strong alignment between scientific objectives, system requirements, and test design for AIV activities.
• Provide expertise in different aspects of radio astronomy including (and not limited to) correlation, spectral and continuum observations, calibration, imaging, pulsar search/timing, spectral line observations to AIV and SKA stakeholders.
• Develop performance analysis tools for AIV using custom Python scripts, SKA data‑processing tools, modern astronomy software (i.e. CASAcore) and ITF installed systems.
• Identifying and supporting the links between science, system requirements and test design for AIV activities.

If appointed at the higher classification level, additional duties would also include:

• Refining the Systems AIV Plan in line with the SKAO AIV Strategy and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives, including sharing methods and approaches for characterising telescope performance within SKAO.

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Salary: AU$135,571 - AU$180,568 pa (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term ending 30th June 2028 - Full-time (preferred) or part-time (min 0.8FTE) may be considered

Reference: 100379

To be considered you will need:

Essential:

Applications will be assessed against the Selection Criteria outlined below. The successful candidate will be appointed at the capability level that best aligns with their demonstrated skills and experience, as determined by the Selection Panel.

• A PhD in Astronomy, or an equivalent field.
• Strong practical understanding of radio interferometry at a systems level, demonstrated through significant experience in AIV / commissioning of radio telescopes.
• Specialist knowledge of one or more SKA-relevant domains such as correlation and beamforming, spectral line imaging, electronic engineering, digital signal processing, high performance computing and network infrastructure etc (preferentially ordered).
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within complex international projects and multicultural environments, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to change.
• A track record of scientific contributions, including authorship of peer-reviewed publications, reports, grant applications, and/or patent applications.

To be considered for the CSOF7 level, the following additional essential criteria must also be met:

• Demonstrated leadership in commissioning of radio telescopes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence teams in developing and managing comprehensive testing roadmaps for the integration and verification of complex systems.

For full details about this role, please review the

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to all candidates – 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.

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. 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.

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 online and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please note that we strongly encourage you to respond to each of the selection criteria in detail, and attach it to your cover letter as ONE document.

Applications close

5 APRIL 2026, 11:59pm AWST