Principal Research Scientist

Role highlights Advance Net Zero with sustainable feedstock solutions for low-carbon fuels.Lead research across the full value chain from biomass to refining.Collaborate widely to shape policy and grow a multibillion-dollar industry. 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 Join CSIRO's Foresighting team and help shape Australia's Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF) future.This role focuses on sustainable feedstock supply from agriculture and forestry to support decarbonisation of hard‑to‑abate sectors such as aviation, mining and heavy transport.You'll collaborate across CSIRO and with external partners to deliver a full value‑chain perspective, from feedstock production and logistics to fuel refining and sustainability assessments.Your work will generate insights that enable responsible land, water and biomass management while driving the development of a multibillion‑dollar LCLF industry critical to achieving national Net Zero goals. Your high‑level duties will includeUndertake leading‑edge scientific research in LCLF and bioresource management, maintaining active national and international collaborations to access and share advanced concepts and technologies.Lead the research component of projects, contribute original ideas and determine strategies that align with organisational and industry goals.Identify emerging industry and community needs, conceive new project ideas and actively engage funding bodies to secure financial support.Provide scientific leadership to colleagues and students, manage resources effectively and foster multidisciplinary collaboration across multiple projects.Build strong relationships with industry and government clients, anticipate their needs and generate innovative solutions that create value.Advise policymakers and communicate complex research outcomes to both scientific and non‑scientific audiences, ensuring impact beyond academia.Work with business managers to assess commercial opportunities and safeguard intellectual property arising from research activities.Anticipate shifts in research and development, inform strategic planning and implement changes that position the organisation at the forefront of innovation. Role particulars Location : Brisbane QLD, Melbourne VIC or Canberra ACTSalary : AU$163k – AU$180k per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) + 15.4% superannuationTenure & work schedule : Specified term of 5 years, Full‑timeReference : Essential Criteria A PhD (or equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as Environmental or Chemical Science or Engineering, Agricultural Science or Engineering, Agricultural Economics or similar.Strong domain knowledge of the role of agriculture in Australia's energy transition and pathways to developing an LCLF industry, including the policy landscape, international frameworks and markets, promising opportunities and constraints / barriers to enacting potential pathways.Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research in bioenergy or biofuel production, bioresource assessment and management, agricultural systems analysis and / or integrated sustainability assessment.Track record of securing funding from a range of government and industry sources for research projects in bioenergy / biofuel development.Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; existing network of industry, government and / or academic colleagues and ability to expand professional networks.Publication history of authorship on peer‑reviewed journals and / or reports, grant applications or inventorship on patent applications in the relevant fields.Leadership experience of multi‑disciplinary and regionally dispersed teams, guiding strategic direction, developing junior staff, managing budgets and resources and enabling project delivery. Not sure you meet all the criteria? While CSIRO policy requires the successful candidate to meet all essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate capability.If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the position description. Setting you up for success We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and accessible recruitment process.If you require adjustments, please contact Laura Mason via and let us know how we can support you. Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements We work flexibly, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.We can discuss flexible work arrangements during the recruitment process.CSIRO offers leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. Find out more at Careers at CSIRO. Inclusion and belonging As an equal‑employment‑opportunity organisation, CSIRO is committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong.We recognise true diversity across age, ability, culture, faith, education, gender, sexuality and more.CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award. Eligibility Applications are open to Australian / New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents and candidates who hold or can obtain a valid working visa for the specified term.Appointment is subject to national police check and other security / medical / character requirements. Child safety CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities.View our Child Safe Policy. How to apply Please apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria. Applications close 30 November #J-18808-Ljbffr