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

Shape Indigenous STEM pathways and career opportunities across CSIRO
Strengthen pathways for Indigenous students, graduates, researchers and emerging science leaders
Build strategic partnerships across universities, research organisations and Indigenous communities

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 our STEM Pathways Specialist, you will help shape and strengthen Indigenous STEM workforce pathways across CSIRO. Reporting to the Executive Manager, Indigenous Employment and Capability, you will provide specialist leadership and expertise to design, develop and strengthen pathways that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, graduates, researchers and emerging science leaders to pursue meaningful careers in STEM.

Working across CSIRO and in partnership with universities, research institutions, Indigenous communities, organisations and other external partners, you will help build connected and sustainable pathways through scholarships, graduate, pre-doctoral, doctoral and post-doctoral programs. Your work will strengthen Indigenous participation in STEM while supporting CSIRO's current and future science capability needs.

Your high-level duties will include:

Identify, prioritise and coordinate Indigenous STEM workforce pathways aligned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations and CSIRO’s current and future science capability needs.
Partner with Indigenous-led functions, knowledge holders, communities and organisations to appropriately recognise and support Indigenous Sciences and Knowledges within STEM pathways.
Manage strategic relationships with universities, research institutions and external organisations, and support effective transitions from pathway programs into employment, further study and career development.
Monitor pathway performance, risks and sustainability, manage and report data in culturally appropriate ways, and provide advice on workforce impact, future capability needs and continuous improvement.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: Open to all capital cities, other locations may be considered. Hybrid working available and flexible work options available.

Salary: AU$118,102 to AU$127,808 per annum (pro-rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation.

Tenure and work schedule: Indefinite, full-time. We will explore options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements based on the needs of the role and individual circumstances.

Reports to: Executive Manager, Indigenous Employment and Capability

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria snapshot

High level cultural capability grounded in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing, lived experience, cultural knowledge and community relationships, with strong community connection, credibility and cultural authority appropriate to the role.
Demonstrated experience designing and delivering Indigenous STEM pathways, with a strong understanding of the systemic barriers, strengths, aspirations and enablers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, progression and retention.
Proven capability to lead and coordinate complex pathway or capability initiatives, including experience working with universities, research organisations or external partners to support Indigenous participation, scholarships and workforce development outcomes.
Ability to apply Indigenous Sciences and Knowledges perspectives in pathway design, supported by strong analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder, communication and influencing skills and the ability to provide practical, evidence-based advice.

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

Setting you up for success

We know that everyone works differently. If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we are happy to discuss options such as flexible hours, alternative communication methods, cultural or family obligations, or physical adjustments. Please let us know how we can support your full participation.

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.

Our commitment to inclusion, safety and cultural respect

CSIRO is committed to creating respectful, supportive and safe workplaces where people feel valued and able to contribute. Through this role, we are seeking to strengthen Indigenous STEM participation, progression and leadership through respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across all parts of the organisation.

By building coherent and culturally informed STEM pathways, we support Indigenous students, graduates, researchers and emerging science leaders to progress and contribute across Australia’s science, research and innovation ecosystem.

Eligibility

CSIRO considers the filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Citizenship.

The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

The successful candidate will be required to provide contact details of at least one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Referee to confirm their ability to work and communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a pre-employment background 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. This role has child safety obligations, and the successful candidate will be required to obtain or provide evidence of a valid paid/employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check prior to confirmation of appointment. View our Child Safe Policy. 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. Internal applicants should apply via Jobs Central.

Applications close

Sunday 11 October 2026, 11:00pm AEST