This is a Research Scientist - Cyber Security role with CSIRO based in Melbourne, VIC, AU CSIRO Role Seniority - mid level More about the Research Scientist - Cyber Security role at CSIRO Acknowledgement of Country 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 Conduct high-impact research in Data61’s Cybersecurity & Quantum Systems (CQS) Group Shape future-ready cybersecurity solutions across critical technologies Contribute to Australia’s digital security and economic strength 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 Data61 envisions a strong, globally competitive Australian cybersecurity ecosystem that enhances national resilience and underpins confidence in the digital economy. Working within the Cybersecurity and Quantum Systems (CQS) Group, you will contribute to pioneering research that addresses major cybersecurity challenges across emerging technologies including AI, quantum systems, and next-generation communications. In this role, you will conduct innovative research aligned to CSIRO’s strategic priorities, build scientific leadership, and advance new ideas and concepts that support Australia’s digital future. You will interact directly with government and industry clients, contribute to project proposals, supervise PhD students, and collaborate nationally and internationally across the cybersecurity research community. The position offers substantial opportunity to influence future research directions, deliver real-world impact, and help build a thriving cybersecurity industry in Australia. Your high-level duties will include: Carrying out innovative and impactful cybersecurity research that leads to novel and significant scientific outcomes. Producing high-quality scientific publications, conference papers, patents, and client reports. Engaging professionally with clients, delivering project outputs on time, and representing CSIRO effectively across a range of forums. Supervising PhD students within the Data61 Scholarship Program and supporting new project proposals and student opportunities. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams within Data61, across CSIRO, and with national and international partners. Undertaking feasibility studies and applying creativity and originality to explore new research directions and emerging technologies. Contributing proactively to the functioning, culture, and objectives of the research team and Data61. Adhering to CSIRO’s Code of Conduct, safety practices, and diversity and inclusion principles. Performing other duties as directed to support organisational and project outcomes. Role particulars Location and office arrangements: Sydney (Marsfield) NSW; Melbourne (Clayton) VIC; Other locations may be considered. Salary: AU$118k – AU$127k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, Full-time Reference: 101881 As the successful candidate, you will bring: Essential Criteria Education/Qualifications: A PhD in a relevant discipline area, such as security protocols, applied cryptography, or a closely related field or significant work experience in the area of cyber security. High-level written and oral communication skills demonstrated through publications and collaboration with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including at national and international conferences, and a range of different audiences. Demonstrated a high level of experience in conducting research activities and prototype development in systems security, more specifically in the areas of critical technologies like AI, Quantum and/or critical infrastructure like 5G/6G, Energy Grid; evidence from the top-tier research publications such as IEEE S&P, ACM CCS, NDSS, and Usenix Security. The ability to work effectively as part of a research team, plus the motivation and discipline to carry out autonomous research. A record of science innovation and creativity in the area of cyber security, plus the ability and willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations. For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description . Not sure if you meet all the criteria? While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description. Setting you up for success We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Laura Mason know via Careers.Online@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you. Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements W e 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 . Inclusion and belonging Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted. CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award. Eligibility Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and candidates who either hold, or are able to obtain, a valid working visa. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police 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. View our 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. Applications close 26 January 2026, 11:00pm AEDT Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the CSIRO team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Conducting innovative research Producing scientific publications Engaging with clients Key Strengths Research in cybersecurity ️ Communication skills Collaboration Project management Creativity Leadership Why CSIRO is partnering with Hatch on this role. Hatch exists to level the playing field for people as they discover a career that’s right for them. So when you apply you have the chance to show more than just your resume. A Final Note: This is a role with CSIRO not with Hatch.
