Project Officer - Indigenous Science and collections (Identified Role - Indigenous)

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.

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The opportunity

• Are you passionate about Indigenous science, cultural knowledge, and building meaningful partnerships?

• Support the delivery of a national Indigenous science project across Australia’s biodiversity and digital infrastructure platforms.

• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation

We are seeking an Indigenous Research Project Officer to provide high-level coordination, administrative and project support for a national Indigenous Science initiative within CSIRO’s biodiversity and digital infrastructure platforms, specifically across the National Research Collections Australia (NRCA) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).

This project supports CSIRO’s commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, voices, and leadership into national research infrastructure and environmental science. The Indigenous Research Project Officer will play a vital role in keeping the project on track through planning, scheduling, governance support, and cross-team collaboration.

You will coordinate the work withof the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reference group and CSIRO advisory group, assist in building trusted relationships with Indigenous communities and knowledge holders, and support respectful, co-designed science and engagement processes.

The role also contributes to broader systemic change, helping to ensure Indigenous perspectives are embedded into data governance, digital collections, and research policies. Working alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and engagement teams, you will help strengthen cultural capacity across the organisation and contribute to a more inclusive and collaborative science landscape.

This is a meaningful opportunity for someone with strong coordination and communication skills who is passionate about Indigenous-led research, knowledge systems, and contributing to change in Australia’s science sector.

Your duties will include:

• Providing coordination, administrative, and project management support across all stages of the Indigenous Science initiative.
• Supporting the operation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reference and advisory groups, including logistics, agenda setting, and record-keeping.
• Assisting in building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders, and organisations to support co-designed and Indigenous-led research.
• Contributing to the development of culturally appropriate data practices by supporting awareness of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and assisting with the review of data governance frameworks in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Location: Canberra (Ngunnawal), ACT preferred; Other locations may be considered with hybrid working options available.

Salary: AU$96,811 k - AU$109,527 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation

Duration: Specified Term until 30 June 2027

Reference: 100626

To be considered you will need:

• Demonstrated experience in project coordination or administrative support, including scheduling, meeting support, and managing competing priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• A genuine interest in Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural engagement, and Indigenous-led science.
• Experience working in or supporting project governance structures, such as advisory groups or working groups, including organising meetings, preparing materials, and documenting actions or decisions.

For details about who to contact and for more information please view the Position Description.