Position Details
Research Scientist –CSOF8
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Research Leader – Environmental Contamination & Remediation
Reference Number:
6122
Classification:
CSOF8
Salary Range:
AU$152k to $191k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Candidates with less experience may also be appointed at a lower level
Location:
Floreat, WA
Tenure:
Specified Term of 4 years
Relocation assistance:
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to:
All Candidates
Functional Area:
Research Scientist/Engineer
% Client Focus - Internal:
20%
% Client Focus - External:
80%
Reports to the:
Group Leader, Groundwater Contamination & Remediation
Number of Direct Reports:
Up to 10
Role Overview:
CSIRO’s Land and Water business unit is seeking a high-achieving research leader in the area of
environmental contamination and remediation of subsurface environments. The focus is on multiphase
processes in vadose zones and groundwater environments, and in particular, the fate and behaviour of
non-aqueous phase liquid contaminants such as petroleum products and organic solvents. The role is to
drive current science directions and forge new ones related to contaminant and remediation science, in
conjunction with industry and government agencies.
The position requires a strong research and market reputation in multiphase
contamination/remediation science and a track record of client engagement and delivery as well as
international publication. This research leader would be responsible for further developing productive
linkages with industry, government and academia in Australia and internationally. It would be expected
that the research leader would rapidly assume a project leadership role for existing projects and would
assume a pivotal role in shaping the future agenda for research on multiphase contaminants to provide
improved benefits to human and ecosystem health as well as national development and economic
activity.
The role will support strategic, government and industry funded activities, often across industry sectors.
High-level conceptualisation and interpretation of complex laboratory and field environments is required
along with quantitative capabilities. Travel to deepen partnerships and research networks and present
outcomes of research at conferences is also anticipated. The position is within an active research team
based in Perth, Western Australia, with an international reputation for its multiphase and remediation
science related to vadose zones and groundwater environments.
To be appointed you will need to demonstrate high level skills in independence and leadership, and have
the ability to manage significant resources in the face of uncertainty. You will also have world leader status
in a significant relevant field of research or its transfer to industry.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Contributing to, or defining, business unit or CSIRO organisational policy directions and strategic
planning, including implement the vision for staff and gaining commitment for the chosen direction.

Provide science leadership, resource management and project delivery within an active
multidisciplinary research team to successfully deliver science and industry outcomes on contaminant
and remediation science, especially multiphase processes in subsurface environments.

Assuming roles of formal leadership responsibility, including committing significant resources in the
face of uncertainty and taking calculated risks to improve performance and achieve challenging goals.

Design, plan and implement research to advance knowledge of multiphase fluid and reactive
processes in porous and structured media.
Develop innovative concepts, theories, tools and techniques that allow advances in understanding
of contaminant and remediation science and achievement of project objectives.
Publish findings in high-impact papers and journals and ensure uptake of research outcomes within
industry, government and other research partners.
Deepen and build CSIRO’s linkages and reputation with partners and external clients, and forge new
science research directions.




Liaise across CSIRO business units, to build extended and multidisciplinary networks to create
opportunity and science impact

Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies,
Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.

Other duties as directed.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:

Education/Qualifications: The completion of the requirements for a degree of Doctor of Philosophy
or equivalent, combined with significant relevant research experience in environmental
contamination and remediation science, environmental engineering, soil science, contaminant
hydrogeology, or equivalent areas.
Essential Criteria:
1. Evidence of significant national/international research recognition related to multiphase processes
associated with multi-component non-aqueous phase liquids such as petroleum products and organic
solvents in subsurface environments.
2. Evidence of deep industry and/or government networking, linkages and partnerships and research
uptake.
3. A track record of ability to establish and lead productive multidisciplinary research teams, manage
performance, undertake strategic planning, implement the vision for staff and gain commitment to
the direction chosen.
4. Demonstrated experience in quantitative understanding of contaminants (including non-aqueous
phase liquids) in the subsurface, including the design and interpretation of complex laboratory and/or
field investigations.
5. A track record of science excellence relevant to multiphase groundwater contamination and
remediation (including non-aqueous phase liquids) through quality publications, as primary author in
high impact, peer reviewed journals.
6. Commitment to CSIRO Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives
and Zero Harm goals.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Experience with design and conduct of laboratory or field investigations of multiphase subsurface
environments.
2. Experience with multiphase processes in heterogeneous, structured and fractured subsurface
formations.
3. Experience with the modelling of multi-component as well as multiphase fluids including petroleum
products and organic solvents in porous media.
4. Understanding of the influence of biogeochemistry on contaminant behaviour in subsurface
environments.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values
of:

Integrity of Excellent Science

Trust & Respect

Creative Spirit

Delivering on Commitments

Health, Safety & Sustainability
Special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to travel nationally and internationally as
required.
Appointment to this role may also be subject to conditions including security/medical/character clearance
requirements. Applicants who are not Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents may be required to
undergo additional security clearance processes; which may include medical examinations and an
international standardised test of English language proficiency (i.e. IELTS test).http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. Please apply by uploading one document
which incorporates the latest version of your CV plus a covering letter outlining your motivations for
applying, and demonstrating your suitability for the role. You may be asked to provide additional
information at a later time. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be
considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: Please include the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/
professional referees in your resume/CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact: Dr
Mike Trefry via email: Mike.Trefry@csiro.au or phone: +61 8 9333 6286
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Mike Trefry. Applications received via this method will
not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills
for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and
communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Business Units:
The Land and Water business unit provides the science to underpin Australia's economic, social and
environmental prosperity through stewardship of land and water resources ecosystems, and urban
areas. Through an integrated systems research approach we provide the information and technologies
required by government, industry and the Australian and international communities to protect, restore,
and manage natural and built environments. Find out more at:
http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/LWF/About