CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship

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 innovative research into the antigenic evolution of avian influenza viruses.
• Use your findings to inform vaccine development and strengthen biosecurity preparedness.
• Work within a world-class research environment at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

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 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral research experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Avian Infectious Diseases Research (AIDR) team at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, Victoria. In this role, you will contribute to research that strengthens Australia’s preparedness against endemic and exotic avian infectious diseases by improving our understanding of the evolution of avian influenza viruses.

This fellowship will focus on characterising the antigenic evolution of avian influenza viruses

Your high-level duties will include: 

Under the direction of senior research scientists, you will:

• Design and conduct original and impactful research in avian virology.
• Investigate avian influenza antigenic evolution and Phenotypically characterise avian influenza viruses.
• Record, manage and analyse research data using appropriate scientific and data analysis methods.
• Communication scientific outcomes through publications, reports, presentations, and contribute to future research opportunities.
• Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a positive research culture.
• Undertake professional development to build your capability as an independent researcher.

Role particulars

Location: Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), Geelong VIC (Wadawurrung Country)
Salary: AU$103,390 – AU$113,251 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time), plus 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years, full‑time
Reference: 102785

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as virology, microbiology, immunology or vaccinology or a closely related discipline.  Please note: to be eligible for this role you must have no more than three years (full‑time equivalent) of relevant research experience.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including presenting research at national/international forums.
• A strong publication track record and/or scientific writing (papers, reports, grants, patents).
• Demonstrated scientific creativity and willingness to apply novel ideas and approaches.

Desirable: 

• Experience with egg or cell culture techniques for virus isolation / subculture / quantitation.
• Molecular cloning experience.
• Experience working in a PC3 laboratory.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review 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 careers.online@csiro.au  and let us know how we can support you.  

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only.  

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements. 

The successful candidate must be willing and able to comply with the special requirements specific to the ACDP facility. Please refer to the Position Description for details. 

Life at CSIRO 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 Gold 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 

19 July 2026, 11pm AEST