CSIRO Early Research Career Postdoctoral and Engineering Fellowships

About our CERC Fellowships

At CSIRO, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We want CERC Postdoctoral and Engineering Fellows to join our world class science, engineering, and digital teams to solve these big, complex problems that make a real difference to the future of Australia and the world. We're committed to the development of the next generation of leaders of the innovation system. Our CERC Fellowship program provides recent PhD and Engineering master graduates with the opportunity to gain experience in our world class laboratories and research teams. You'll get to work with some of the most talented minds in their fields, not just in Australia, but in the world. At CSIRO, we spark off each other, learn from each other, trust each other and collaborate closely to achieve more than we could individually.

We have developed a CERC Fellowship Employee Value Proposition to differentiate our program from other Postdoctoral or Engineering Fellowships, and attract new capability to invest in world class science, engineering and digital research for Australia's future. Check out why you should choose our CSIRO Early Research Career Fellow Experience PDF (62 KB).

Here's what you need to know

CERC Fellows can undertake research in any of our Business Units, the Future Science Platforms, or in the National Facilities and Collections that we manage.

We are always recruiting for CERC Fellows, and opportunities are advertised throughout the year. Check our CERC Fellowships job listing regularly to view the latest opportunities.

What our CERC Fellowships can offer you

Our CERC Fellowships provide:

• A differentiated career development program to deliver capability excellence and breadth across all facets of the national innovation system.
• Research training via strategic research and development projects with a clear focus that will deliver real impact through science and engineering excellence.
• An innovative culture supporting the development and demonstration of original thinking and expertise leading to peer-recognition.
• Opportunities to develop skills and experience in collaborative research teams to effectively work within national and global multi/transdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder environments.

Our CERC Fellowship program offers you more than just technical training. The program is intended to enhance your research capability through a strong focus on your professional development. You will develop a CERC Learning, Development and Training Plan in consultation with your supervisor around the time of commencement, with the aim to develop your capabilities to those expected of an independent researcher and future leader of the innovation system. The CERC Learning, Development and Training Framework includes defined opportunities to build your knowledge, skills, experience, and professional standards which encompass on-the-job tasks, social learning and formal training opportunities.

The duration of a CERC Fellowship is three years full-time or equivalent, with a minimum of two years in special circumstances, allowing for breaks or part-time pro-rata considerations.

Requirements and eligibility

CERC Postdoctoral Fellowships are available to applicants who hold a PhD or who have submitted a doctoral thesis and are awaiting conferral. CERC Engineering Fellowships are available to applicants who hold an engineering degree plus a Master of Science or Master of Engineering plus equivalent levels of original and significant contributions to research and development to that expected of a new PhD graduate.

If you have undertaken prior relevant research at a university or in industry, your total relevant work experience since confirmation of your doctorate must not exceed six full-time equivalent years upon completion of a CERC Fellowship.

We may sponsor overseas applicants who are eligible for appointment to obtain an Australian work visa. Appointment is subject to immigration requirements and security assessments being met

How to apply

Check our CERC Fellowship jobs listing regularly to view the latest opportunities.