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
- Support Australia’s frontline defence against emerging infectious diseases in a world-class high-containment facility in this impactful role
- Play a key role in strategy, governance, and coordination for a nationally significant research centre
- Join CSIRO’s impact-driven team shaping national biosecurity resilience
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
The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) protects Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, as well as the public, from infectious disease threats.
We are seeking an Executive Officer to work closely with the ACDP Directorate, providing high-level support in managing and administering the facility. A critical member of the Management Team, you will coordinate reporting, strategic communications, and operational planning to support CSIRO’s strategy and the centre’s vital mission.
This role is ideal for someone who is curious, professional, detail-oriented and tactful—with the confidence to operate in ambiguous situations and the relationship skills to collaborate across diverse scientific, operational, and administrative teams.
Your high-level duties will include:
- Provide high-level advice and support to the ACDP Directorate on stakeholder and external interactions.
- Independently formulate, coordinate & prepare responses to internal and external information requests, and reporting requirements. This includes a wide range of scientific, strategic, and government communications, including complex reports, analyses, plans, and briefings.
- Analyse complex or ambiguous issues, develop appropriate responses, and make sound decisions under pressure or with limited information.
- Coordinate internal and external reporting requirements, planning activities, and leadership meetings.
- Lead or manage sensitive projects aligned with CSIRO’s strategy and research priorities. Support risk management and ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
- Build collaborative relationships across ACDP teams and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders.
Role particulars & eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens only. Appointment to this role is subject to obtaining or having existing Australian security clearance at Neg Vetting 1 level and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements. Please refer to the Position Description for details. Appointment is dependent on meeting the special conditions outlined in the Position Description for working at the ACDP site.
- Location: Geelong, Victoria (Wadawurrung Country)
- Salary: AU$131k – AU$153k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation
- Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full time. Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.
- Reference: 101000
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (preferably biological or animal sciences) or equivalent experience in an area relevant to ACDP.
- Excellent written communication skills, showing evidence of ability to independently formulate and prepare a wide range of scientific, strategic and government communications including complex reports, analyses, plans and briefings.
- Very strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the proven ability to investigate complex or ill-defined problems, develop appropriate responses, and make sound decisions in ambiguous or urgent situations with limited information.
- Demonstrated high-level organisational skills including the ability to independently manage competing complex demands, establish or renegotiate priorities and meet deadlines.
- A confident and pro-active approach with a proven ability to work effectively in a dynamic executive team environment, and to collaborate widely both internally and externally.
- Demonstrated experience in successful project management, including planning, engagement, monitoring and reporting.
For full details about this role, and all criteria, please review the Position Description. Please note: Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.
Setting you up for success
We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that individuals may have different needs, and we’re happy to discuss what adjustments to our process may help you feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. Please contact [email protected] and let us know how we can support you.
Life, benefits and flexible work arrangements
We 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 Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.
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
7th September 2025, 11:00pm AEST
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