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Role highlights

• • Lead the operations and development of accredited photovoltaic cell and module testing at CSIRO’s Newcastle-based national test facility
  • Support the accurate measurement and characterisation of next-generation solar technologies
  • Indefinite, full-time opportunities within a truly collaborative and inclusive workplace.

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 Solar Technologies Group as a Research Project Officer and contribute to cutting-edge energy research. In this role, you’ll work within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, supporting the operation of three nationally significant test facilities: the NATA 17025-accredited photovoltaic cell measurement laboratory, the SINUS 3000 module test facility, and outdoor cell and module testbeds.

You will take the lead in managing our accredited cell testing facility, developing and executing test procedures to deliver accurate measurements for emerging cell and module technologies. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory equipment and records to meet auditable standards, ensuring compliance and reliability. As the laboratory expands its scope, you will play a key role in implementing innovative procedures to support next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

This opportunity is based in Newcastle, and an on-site presence is required for this role.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Under the guidance of senior scientists, operate testing equipment to perform careful measurements of solar cells and modules for internal and external customers.
• Complete regularly scheduled maintenance and validation tasks to ensure CSIRO’s ongoing compliance with IEC 17025 (NATA) accreditation.
• Maintain and operate CSIRO’s PV module testing equipment: Wavelabs Sinus 3000 and Spire 5600SLP.
• Work with internal and external clients in developing testing approaches that meet both client and laboratory needs, and take some responsibility for customer satisfaction.
• Under general direction, contribute to research and/or technology through the development of original and adapted experimental methods, equipment or software.
• Show initiative to seek new approaches to meet experimental or technological needs when encountering new problems where methods are not defined.
• Participate in the identification and definition of research and/or technological problems with colleagues.
• Participate in planning laboratory activities and accept responsibility for scheduling and completion of work required for delivery of client requests.

Role particulars

Location: Newcastle, NSW.

Salary: AU$100K – AU$113K per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus up to 15.4% superannuation/ share combined salary too

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-time

Reference: 101989

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in a discipline area relevant to photovoltaic measurement e.g. physics, electrical engineering.
• A sound understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning the operation of solar cells.
• Proficiency in Python programming as applied to equipment control and data analysis.
• Proven experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific instruments or hardware.
• Remain productive, positive and resilient in complex, ambiguous and/or uncertain environments.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, potentially regionally dispersed research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research.
• High-level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally.

Desirable

• Experience in commercially engaging with industry/academic partners or clients.
• A good working knowledge of electronics and experience with printed circuit board design and fabrication.
• A good working knowledge of optics and optical components.

For full details about this role, 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 contact Talent Consultant and 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 that 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/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to the 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 well-being of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document.

Applications close

31 January 2026, 11:00 pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as we will review applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.