We imagine. We collaborate. We innovate. People at CSIRO get up in the morning to change the world.

At the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), we shape the future. We do this by using science to solve real issues. We're passionate about creating science-driven solutions for the biggest challenges facing our nation, and we thrive on collaborating across the country to make life better for everyone.

More than 5,000 CSIRO experts across 59 locations turn science into solutions, working in partnership with government, industry, universities and the community.

We believe in the power of science to transform our lives and secure our futures, and we realise that ambition every day.


WORKING AT CSIRO

We work flexibly: Every CSIRO team member has the opportunity to embrace flexible work arrangements through the Balance initiative. Launched in 2017, Balance is about how, when and where we work. It aims to remove barriers to flexibility (operationally and culturally), mainstream flexibility, and accelerate internal adoption rates.

Flexible work arrangements range from part-time hours to job sharing, working from home or multiple work sites, accessing a range of leave options, formal and informal time off in lieu, changing start and finish times, returning from long term leave and absences or phasing to retirement.

Develop your career: We believe that everyone should have equal and easy access to training and development opportunities and fair working conditions to ensure they make the most of their talents and abilities.

Continual learning is strongly encouraged and actively supported by our leaders; it is a critical factor in ensuring we maintain our scientific and technical excellence. To support our staff, CSIRO offer a range of training opportunities, course participation and scholarships, mentoring, financial study assistance, and the opportunity to represent CSIRO at national and international conferences.

Health, safety and environment: CSIRO’s working environments are as diverse as the research, science and services we deliver. We ensure that our people have access to support services and work in safe, happy and comfortable conditions. We have a team of Health, Safety and Environment professionals available to advise and guide staff to ensure a safe working environment from the get-go. Our employees and their immediate family members are also entitled to free, voluntary and confidential counselling services at any time and we also provide a smoke-free work environment for all staff and visitors.

Diversity and inclusion: Diversity is the compass that navigates innovation. CSIRO is committed to developing and maintaining a culture that respects, values and actively pursues the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and our people are appointed or promoted on their individual merits and capacity to perform, regardless of sex, age, sexual preference, marital status, race, ethnic origin, or disabilities.

How are we walking the talk?

  • We are an active member of the Athena Swan Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) network and our Chief Executive, Larry Marshall, is also a Male Champion of Change.
  • Our Indigenous Employment Strategy aims to achieve greater Indigenous participation in CSIRO's research and development agenda and activities.
  • We have a Pride@CSIRO professional network and social community for LGBTI+ identifying employees and other LGBTI+ friendly staff (allies) and offer up to 10 days paid gender affirmation leave.
  • We are family friendly and recognise that juggling family and work can be tough, and that all families are different. On-site child care services are available for staff across a number of sites, and every office is fitted with breastfeeding facilities. We also offer paid and unpaid parental leave for maternity, fostering and the adoption of an eligible child.
  • Our Equity and Diversity Contact Officers are located at most of our sites and are a valuable resource for all staff.
  • We regularly hold internal events and training to raise awareness and support of various areas of diversity and inclusion to create an inclusive working environment.

Leave: We offer comprehensive leave conditions; including recreation leave, sick and carer's leave, gender affirmation leave, miscellaneous leave, maternity and parental leave, as well as long service leave. In special circumstances, leave without pay is also available to staff members.

Domestic and family violence support: CSIRO is committed to providing leave and other support for staff members affected by domestic and family violence. We support our people by providing:

  • Up to 10 days of additional leave;
  • Access to a range of support services for a team member and their family to our free and voluntary Employee Assistance Program with a qualified counselling professional specifically trained to support staff experiencing domestic and family violence;
  • Management training to support their team members;
  • Flexible working arrangements; and
  • A Clearly outlined policy and procedure to support our staff during this time.

Superannuation
CSIRO Employees enjoy one of the best superannuation schemes in Australia. The Public Sector Superannuation accumulation plan (PSSap) is managed by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (formerly ComSuper) and allows members to select their own level of contributions and investment options which suit their own investment objectives. If contributions are made to a superannuation fund, we will make an employer contribution, as appropriate. We also make an Employer Productivity Contribution for everyone employed in CSIRO.