Position Details
Research Projects – CSOF4
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Experimental Scientist – Emissions Research
Reference Number:
4281
Classification:
CSOF4
Salary Range:
AU $78K to AU $88K pa plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
North Ryde, NSW
Tenure:
Specified Term of 3 years
Relocation assistance:
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Applications are open to: 

For Specified Term positions, we will accept applications from Temporary Residents with
working rights for the length of the term, who do not require sponsorship.
Functional Area:
Research Projects
% Client Focus - Internal:
50%
% Client Focus - External:
50%
Reports to the:
Team leader - Emissions Quantification and Management
Number of Direct Reports:
0
Role Overview:
The role of Research Projects staff in CSIRO is to collaborate in scientific activities with other research
staff usually by assisting with detailed planning, undertaking or assisting with experimental and
observational work, and in carrying out the more practical aspects of the work. At senior levels,
Research Projects staff may be involved in providing consulting services, science management and/or
industry liaison. CSIRO Energy Business Unit is an independent supplier of research and development to
Australia’s resources industry. The Energy Business Unit provides sustainable, innovative science and
engineering solutions for the continuing growth of Australia’s resources industry whilst delivering
benefits to the economy, society and the environment.
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, flexible individual with technical aptitude who has
strong attention to detail. Specialised training will be provided however applicants should have good
technical and practical abilities and enjoy challenging and diverse work. The successful candidate will be
part of the Emissions Quantification and Management Team within the CSIRO Energy Business Unit
which consists of scientists, engineers, and technicians who conduct research to evaluate natural gas
emissions from the exploration and production of fossil energy, and to develop methods to characterise
the storage and flow of gas in conventional and unconventional reservoirs. The team also evaluates
existing strategies and develop new strategies to mitigate emissions from the exploration and
production of fossil energy. Team members often provide expertise for integrated projects involving
staff from various research areas, including the fields of organic geochemistry, organic petrology,
geomicrobiology and atmospheric and emissions chemistry.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Operation and maintenance of specialised equipment used by the laboratory experimental
teams, including gas adsorption, permeability, diffusivity, porosity and wettability rigs, and
coordination of maintenance contractors and logging of maintenance records.

Participation in research work at coal mines and gas fields throughout Australia including:
- Hands-on running and repair of CSIRO field testing equipment and coordination on a work site
- Recording of experimental details, events log and test results for analysis
- Allocating activities, directing tasks and management of resources to meet project objectives
- Preparation and upkeep of project health and safety documents

Adapt and/or develop original experimental methods/equipment/software/concepts/ideas in
support of existing and further research.

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary laboratory experimental team conducting research in gas
reservoir characterisation for assessing emissions, including:
- Adaption or development of original experimental methods and equipment
- Preparation of accurate and precise experimental samples
- Carrying out tasks under limited direction in support of scientific research
- Processing field and laboratory measured data and preparing reports

Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of
good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.

Work collaboratively with colleagues within the team, the business unit and across CSIRO, to
reach objectives.

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:
1. Education/Qualifications: Candidate holds a Bachelor of Engineering or Science Degree (position
best for petroleum, chemical or mechanical engineering but candidates from other science and
engineering disciplines are welcome to apply).
2. Professional experience: Candidate has experience in petroleum and mining industries. Other
engineering experience will also considered.
3. Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to
anticipate the interests and knowledge level of an audience and present information and feedback
accordingly.
4. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
5. Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously,
and carry out non-routine tasks under limited direction.
6. Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems
and develop appropriate responses by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria:
1. Demonstrated experience in the design, development and/or modification of field and laboratory
equipment for engineering and/or science application.
2. Experience with data logging and automation software (e.g. Labview).
3. Experience in large data processing, spreadsheet calculation and macro development (e.g. Excel
VBA).
4. Understanding of physics and chemistry of fluid (gas and water) flow and storage in porous media,
particularly in coal and shale reservoirs.
5. Demonstrated ability and willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of
scientific investigations.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Good knowledge of programming languages and experience with gas flow simulators used in
unconventional/conventional reservoir characterisation.
2. Good knowledge of gas adsorption and parameters affecting gas flow in porous media (e.g.
permeability, diffusivity, porosity and wettability)
3. Experience in one or more of the following:
a. Maintenance of laboratory instruments using high pressure gases (systems fitted with
valves, pumps, gas cylinders)
b. Use of basic electronics
c. Instrument calibration
d. Completing risk assessments and other HSE documentation
4. Support of scientific investigations through:
a. Assistance with processing of data
b. Suggestions for experimental design for specific project problems
c. Written contributions for reports, journal publications and conference papers
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
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to participate in interstate fieldwork
activities with durations of 1 to 5 days, several times per year if required. You must have a commitment
to striving for a Zero Harm safe workplace.
You must also be willing and able to obtain security/medical clearance to access client mine sites.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. You may be asked to provide additional
information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your
application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide
the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or
academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Kaydy Pinetown via email: Kaydy.Pinetown@csiro.au or phone: +61 2 9490 8892
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Pinetown. 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 Energy
CSIRO Energy provides science and engineering solutions for the continuing growth of Australia's
resources industry whilst delivering benefits to the economy, society and the environment.
For further information on the CSIRO Energy Flagship please visit http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/EF