Research Group Leader- Robotic Perception and Autonomy

CSIRO delivers world-class research, driving innovation for industry, government, and the community. Data61, CSIRO’s digital technologies and data science arm, is a global leader in Robotics, AI, and data science with a network of around 1,000 staff and affiliates.

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The opportunity

CSIRO delivers world-class research, driving innovation for industry, government, and the community. Data61, CSIRO’s digital technologies and data science arm, is a global leader in Robotics, AI, and data science with a network of around 1,000 staff and affiliates. The Robotic Perception and Autonomy (RPA) group, part of Data61, is one of Australia’s largest and most recognized robotics labs.
We are seeking a Research Group Leader to lead the RPA group, advancing CSIRO’s mission of impactful, innovative research. This leadership role involves strategic vision, multidisciplinary collaboration, and delivering outcomes in science and technology. The Group Leader supports the Research Director in managing projects, performance, infrastructure, and assets, dedicating approximately 40% of their time to operational management while remaining active in business development and science leadership.
The ideal candidate will maintain an active science career, leading collaborative projects and managing larger, complex initiatives. A strategic, collaborative, and passionate approach is essential for building a world-leading reputation in field robotics.

Your duties will include:

Impact Science Leadership

• Lead science impact planning and ensure high-quality project delivery.
• Drive R&D excellence, innovation, and flexibility while identifying new opportunities.
• Maintain an active science career, leading large-scale projects and external collaborations.

Capability Leadership

• Build and develop high-performing teams aligned with CSIRO’s goals.
• Promote a safe, sustainable workplace and support staff career progression.
• Lead workforce deployment and manage change initiatives effectively.

Resource Leadership

• Manage financial, physical, and human resources efficiently.
• Ensure governance, sustainability, and compliance with CSIRO standards.
• Contribute to long-term infrastructure and resource planning.

Engagement and Partnerships

• Foster national and international collaborations and networks.
• Communicate CSIRO’s goals to stakeholders and partners.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for collaboration and impact.

Location: Pullenvale, QueenslandSalary: AU$157,833 – AU$219,245 plus up to 15.4% superannuationTenure: IndefiniteReference: 98740

To be considered you will need:

• Internationally recognised research track record evidenced by a strong publication track record in robotics or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically develop programs and opportunities that respond to national and global research challenges in robotics.
• Evidence of strong industry and/ or government engagement and strategic relationship management that grows new project opportunities and supports positive and sustainable commercial outcomes.
• Evidence of research leadership and delivery at the scale of the Research Group.
• Evidence of ability to attract, retain, empower and develop world class talent and to promote wellbeing, safety and foster creativity in multidisciplinary teams of more than 25 members.
• Evidence of ability to establish productive teams, manage performance, undertake strategic planning and financial management, operationalise the strategic vision for staff, and gain commitment to the direction chosen.
• Evidence of strong engagement skills and relationship management that grows new science opportunities and supports commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead portfolios of projects of scale and/or complexity and manage financial and project performance.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.

Diversity and inclusion

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.

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia’s national science agency, 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 collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact.
CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.
Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

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