Indigenous Knowledge Leadership Position

Embedding Indigenous knowledge systems and sovereignty into national research infrastructure is a critical aspect of CSIRO's mission.

We are seeking a highly motivated and culturally grounded professional to lead a nationally significant initiative that embeds Indigenous knowledge principles into our National Research Collections Australia (NRCA) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).

As the Indigenous Research Manager, you will oversee the delivery of a major project co-designed with an established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to guide the ethical integration of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) principles into collections policy, governance, and practice.

This is a research leadership opportunity to shape how Indigenous knowledges are respected, protected, and embedded within Australia's science infrastructure.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include :

• Lead the delivery of an Indigenous co-designed research project, including strategic planning, implementation, coordination, financial oversight, risk management, and delivery of outputs in line with reporting and governance requirements.
• Collaborate with the NCMI Science Director (as sponsor), Research Project Advisor – Indigenous Science, and the NRCA and ALA teams to co-design and implement project activities that centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, priorities, and governance.
• Support the effective operation of the established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group, ensuring culturally respectful processes, timely provision of information, and integration of guidance into project decisions and deliverables.
• Coordinate and engage with the CSIRO project advisory group, ensuring strategic alignment across business units and facilitating input into key decisions regarding Indigenous governance, data, and collections.

Requirements :

• Demonstrated experience in leading culturally grounded projects or programs that centre Indigenous knowledge systems, community priorities, or cultural governance.
• Foundational understanding of IDSov and ICIP, and the ability to lead and apply these principles in science, research, or data contexts or a strong ability to learn and adapt.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills, including demonstrated trust-based work with Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Experience in managing multi-stakeholder or cross-disciplinary projects, with responsibility for delivery, reporting, and navigating complex policy, cultural, and scientific environments.

About Us

At CSIRO, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts.

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish.

How To Apply

To be considered, please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role.

The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person.

The successful candidate will be required to provide contact details of at least one Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Referee to confirm their ability to work and communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Contact Information

Please see the job advertisement for more information on how to apply.

Application Deadline

24 August 2025