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.

Role highlights

• Conduct hydroclimate forecasting research that supports enhanced water management in a changing climate
• Join a nationally recognised team delivering high-impact projects
• Build scientific leadership, develop new research concepts, and contribute to multi-disciplinary projects across CSIRO

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

As a Hydroclimate Forecasting Scientist in CSIRO’s Water Forecasting Team, you will contribute to world-class research that strengthens Australia’s water security. Working within a strong hydroclimate, forecasting and hydrological modelling capability, you will conduct innovative research—from fundamental science through to applied forecasting for industry and government.

You will develop and evaluate new hydroclimate prediction tools, support national-scale forecasting applications, and deliver insights that improve the management of Australia’s water resources. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate widely across CSIRO and its partners, publish high-impact science, and build a strong national and international reputation in hydrological prediction.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Conduct hydroclimate forecasting and prediction research to provide opportunities for enhanced water management under variable and changing climates.
• Contribute hydroclimate forecasting and prediction science to projects in water resources assessment and prediction, integrated basin modelling, and at-scale multi-disciplinary projects.
• Develop, evaluate and facilitate the operational deployment of novel hydroclimate prediction and forecasting methods for water managers and users, and considering national applications.
• Work closely with research leaders to develop research ideas and business opportunities.
• Contribute to and lead technical preparation of scientific reports and scientific publications, for internal and external stakeholders.
• Sustain strong scientific recognition through publication metrics, leadership in national and global hydrological science forums, and national and international reputation.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Melbourne (Clayton) VIC, or Canberra (Black Mountain) ACT

Salary: AU$118k – AU127k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 101833

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

• A PhD (or an equivalent combination of qualifications and research experience) in a relevant field such as hydrological science, environmental science or engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original and innovative hydroclimate prediction and forecasting research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific programming, data visualisation and working with large datasets that cover large spatial and temporal scales.
• A demonstrated publication history of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals.
• Strong oral communication skills including the ability to make scientific presentations to audiences with scientific and non-scientific backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team in order to meet deadlines and respond productively to changing requirements, and an ability to work independently to define and carry-out specific work goals.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. 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 recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contactcareers.online@csiro.auand let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work 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.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to 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 and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close

1 February 2026, 11:00pm AEDT