Job Overview & Organization Mission

Lead cutting-edge research in hydrometallurgical extraction, rare earth element separation, and sustainable mineral refining at CSIRO Energy.

CSIRO’s Mineral Resources and Energy business unit is seeking an exceptional Research Scientist to join our Kensington research campus in Perth. You will spearhead scientific investigations into novel green extraction techniques for battery minerals (lithium, nickel, cobalt) and rare earths (neodymium, dysprosium), transforming laboratory breakthroughs into pilot-scale commercial technologies for Australian industry.

As a key member of the team at CSIRO Energy in Perth, WA, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Design and: Design and execute innovative hydrometallurgical research experiments including high-pressure leaching and solvent extraction.
• Utilize advanced: Utilize advanced analytical characterization techniques (QEMSCAN, XRD, SEM-EDS, ICP-MS) to evaluate mineral phases.
• Develop thermodynamic: Develop thermodynamic and kinetic reaction models to predict metal separation efficiencies.
• Publish high-impact: Publish high-impact scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and file provisional patents for proprietary flowsheets.
• Partner with: Partner with commercial mining sponsors and lead multi-disciplinary research grant applications.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at CSIRO Energy, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD or Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, Materials Science or Geochemistry.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, Chemistry, or closely related field.
• Proven scientific research track record in hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, or critical mineral processing.
• Experience operating complex laboratory pilot rigs and automated analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent scientific writing, project management, and collaborative industry engagement skills.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At CSIRO Energy, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$130,000 – AU$160,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $130,000 – $160,000 + 15.4% superannuation (CSIRO standard).
• World-leading Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC) facilities in Kensington, Perth.
• Flexible working culture with exceptional career progression across Australia’s premier research agency.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: CSIRO Energy

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency, unlocking breakthroughs that solve national challenges through world-class research.

CSIRO Energy is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official CSIRO Energy careers gateway.