Research Scientist/Engineer – CSOF5

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised JobTitle: / Research Scientist – Animal Welfare
Reference Number: / 44646
Classification: / CSOF5
Salary Range: / AU $95K to AU $103K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Armidale, NSW Australia
Tenure: / Specified Term of 3 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: / 10%
% Client Focus - External: / 90%
Reports to the: / Team Leader Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
The role of Research Scientist Staff in CSIRO is to conduct innovative research leading to scientific achievements that are aligned with CSIRO's strategies. The role will be part of the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Team working to address current and emerging animal welfare issues in the Australian Livestock industries.
The position will be based at the FD McMaster Laboratory in Armidale, NSW. The role will work on a project to develop welfare assessment and benchmarking for livestock in Australia.
The role will liaise with industry and scientists to develop an industry benchmarking tool for assessing animal welfare.
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.
Find out more here!: Balance
Duties and Key Result Areas:
  • Implementation of welfare assessment procedures in industry, or to influence industry adoption of animal welfare assessment procedures.
  • Develop novel concepts and methodologies for the assessment of animal welfare.
  • Publish original research and reviews inquality peer reviewed journals.
  • Participate in a team of approximately 10 research and support staff, assisting in building the reputationof the team as a source of non-partisan, authoritative research and advice on livestock welfare issues.
  • Maintain costing spreadsheets and ensure projects are conducted on budget and in a timely manner.
  • Work effectively in a team environment where team members may come from diverse backgrounds and may be located in other organisations.
  • Be able to conduct research in a manner consistent with CSIRO’s organisational objectives and code of conduct.
  • Communicate effectively and respectfully in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
  • Under the guidance of Senior Research Scientists, work collaboratively and honestly with internal and external colleagues, clients and partners to help define and satisfy objectives for small to medium research projects.
  • Assist in leading research projects, including the negotiation of resource requirements.
  • Provide coaching and on-the-job training to technical staff and students to ensure experiments are established in accordance with research design.
  • Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals, and other duties as directed.

Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1.Education/Qualifications: A doctorate or equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline area, such asanimal science or veterinary science.
2.Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to publish research results, prepare reports and present the results of scientific investigations at national and international conferences and stakeholder meetings.
3.Publications: A solid record of publication in quality, peer reviewed journals.
4.Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
Essential Criteria:
1.Demonstrated conceptual and practical knowledge in experimentation to improving animal welfare.
2.Demonstrated ability to work with industry partners and build productive relationships.
3.Demonstrated ability to maintain and manage research project budgets, delivery schedules and negotiation of resources.
4.Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team and carry out independent individual research, to achieve organisational goals.
5.A record of science innovation and creativity plus the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations to develop appropriate solutions to research challenges.
Desirable Criteria:
1.Experience with animal welfare assessment or industry benchmarking programs.
2.At least 2 years demonstrated experience in animal welfare or relevant animal research after completing a PhD.
CSIRO Values:
As Australia’s Innovation Catalyst, CSIRO has strategic actions underpinned by behaviours aligned to excellent science, inclusion, trust & respect, health, safety & environment and deliver on commitments. In your application and at interview you will need to demonstrate alignment with these behaviours.
Other special requirements:
3.Licence: A Current drivers licence or the ability to obtain one
4.Travel: Ability and willingness to travel locally and within Australia as required
Appointment to this role may 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.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at
The first stage of the selection process requires a succinct expression of interest with information relevant to the selection criteria and your CV. Please upload the CV and expression of interest as one document.
Stage 2 of the process will involve an interview process and referees will be contacted thereafter.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Dr Caroline Leevia email: phone:+61 2 6776 1459.
Please do not email your application directly to Dr Lee. 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!
CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Business Unit is helping Australian farmers and industry improve productivity and sustainability across the agriculture sector. The Unit focuses on the following challenges:
  • Crop improvement;
  • Livestock and aquaculture genetic improvement;
  • Farming systems for productivity and sustainability;
  • Interactions between agriculture and the environment; climate change, adaptation and mitigation; science for healthy soils;
  • Global food security and development.