Job Overview & Organization Mission

Investigate Southern Ocean circulation, marine heatwaves, and global climate feedback loops utilizing satellite telemetry and supercomputing at CSIRO Hobart.

CSIRO Environment is seeking an exceptional Senior Research Scientist in Ocean Climate Dynamics to join our world-renowned marine research team at Battery Point, Hobart. You will analyze multi-decadal in-situ ocean telemetry (Argo floats, Research Vessel Investigator voyages), satellite altimetry, and coupled earth system models (ACCESS) to advance global understanding of Antarctic ocean circulation and sea-level change.

As a key member of the team at CSIRO in Hobart, TAS, 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:

• Lead scientific: Lead scientific research on the Southern Ocean overturning circulation, deep ocean heat uptake, and marine heatwaves.
• Run and: Run and evaluate high-resolution ocean-atmosphere numerical simulations using Australia’s ACCESS climate model on the NCI supercomputer.
• Analyze big: Analyze big data telemetry from NASA/ESA Earth observation satellites, automated biogeochemical Argo floats, and autonomous underwater gliders.
• Publish groundbreaking: Publish groundbreaking scientific papers in top journals (Nature, Science, Journal of Climate) and contribute to IPCC assessment reports.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with international polar research bodies and mentor early-career climate scientists.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

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

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD in Physical Oceanography, Climate Science, Meteorology, or Applied Mathematics.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• PhD in Physical Oceanography, Climate Science, Atmospheric Physics, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated international research track record in ocean circulation, climate dynamics, or satellite oceanography.
• Advanced scientific programming skills in Python, Julia, or Fortran on distributed supercomputing architectures.
• Proven ability to secure competitive research grants and lead collaborative scientific expeditions.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

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

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

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

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$135,000 – AU$165,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $135,000 – $165,000 + 15.4% superannuation.
• Historic waterfront Hobart location with views of the Derwent River and access to RV Investigator.
• Supportive scientific culture offering flexible working and global academic collaborations.
• 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

CSIRO’s Environment and Oceans business unit conducts world-class marine research tracking global ocean circulation and climate trends.

CSIRO 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 careers gateway.