Senior Scientist Geomagnetism

Geoscience Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Geoscience Australia is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the quality assurance and timely delivery of geomagnetic data to Australian and international clients. You will contribute to maintaining the Australian Geomagnetic Observatory Network and help develop the Australian Geomagnetic Reference Field model in collaboration with researchers and government partners.

The role requires expertise in geomagnetic data, data delivery, and stakeholder engagement, with occasional fieldwork across remote

Qualifications

• Experience with geomagnetic, magnetotelluric or geoelectric data and systems.
• Experience in programming and scripting in MS-Windows and/or Linux.
• Experience with precision electronic and optical instrumentation.
• Postgraduate qualifications in physics, geophysics or mathematics.
• Ability to undertake fieldwork in remote parts of Australia and Antarctica.

Responsibilities

• Ensure fit for purpose geomagnetic data delivered to internal and external stakeholders within agreed timeframes and to agreed standards.
• Work with domain experts in the enhancement and operation of data collection, data delivery, and state of health systems for near real time geophysical network data in the operation of Geoscience Australia’s national geophysical networks.
• Contribute to the team’s engagement, liaison and coordination with internal and external stakeholders in the areas of the team’s expertise
• Lead the team’s stakeholder engagement, liaison and coordination in the fields relating to space weather, magnetotellurics, magnetic field observation and magnetic field modelling.
• Utilise near real time waveform and state of health information via data processing, analysis, data mining, and other techniques to drive efficiency and timeliness to respond to needs of critical monitoring activities within Geoscience Australia.
• Lead areas of the team’s data delivery and reporting activities to Geomagnetic data clients.
• Contribute to documentation and work instructions for key operational activities.

Skills

Geomagnetic data

Magnetotelluric data

Geoelectric data

Programming

Scripting

Education

Postgrad in Physics/Geophysics/Math

Tools

MS-Windows

Linux

Instrumentation

Job description

Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn.

About us

Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation.

Our culture

Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged.

Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements.

What we can offer you

When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here.

Our team

The Observatories and Systems Support Section delivers the specialist capability needed to operate and support Geoscience Australia’s observatory networks. The section provides high-quality geomagnetic data from stations and observatories across Australia and the region, ensuring data is delivered to Australian and international clients in line with internationally recognised standards. Learn more about the observatories network: https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/community-safety/projects/observatories-network

Information about Geoscience Australia’s geomagnetism services and data is available at: https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/community-safety/data-and-products/geomagnetism-services-and-data

The role

As Senior Scientist, you will lead work that ensures the quality assurance and timely delivery of geomagnetic data to Australian and international clients. You will contribute to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Australian Geomagnetic Observatory Network to ensure the network meets international data standards. Apply geomagnetic science to contribute to the development of the Australian Geomagnetic Reference Field model and work with researchers, critical infrastructure operators and government partners, to support a national capability in monitoring, analysing and responding to space weather risks.

In this role you will:

• Ensure fit for purpose geomagnetic data is delivered to internal and external stakeholders within agreed timeframes and to agreed standards.
• Work with domain experts in the enhancement and operation of data collection, data delivery, and state of health systems for near real time geophysical network data in the operation of Geoscience Australia’s national geophysical networks.
• Contribute to the team’s engagement, liaison and coordination with internal and external stakeholders in the areas of the team’s expertise
• Lead the team’s stakeholder engagement, liaison and coordination in the fields relating to space weather, magnetotellurics, magnetic field observation and magnetic field modelling.
• Utilise near real time waveform and state of health information via data processing, analysis, data mining, and other techniques to drive efficiency and timeliness to respond to needs of critical monitoring activities within Geoscience Australia.
• Lead areas of the team’s data delivery and reporting activities to Geomagnetic data clients.
• Contribute to documentation and work instructions for key operational activities.

To be successful in the role you will:

• Provide direction to others regarding the purpose and importance of the section’s work.
• Set work tasks that align with the strategic objectives and communicate expected outcomes.
• Review project performance and focus on identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Identify key talent to support performance.
• Contribute own expertise to achieve outcomes for the business unit.
• Respond in a positive and flexible manner to change and uncertainty.
• Build and sustain relationships with a network of key people internally and externally. Anticipate and respond to internal and external client needs.
• Adopt a principled approach and adheres to the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications

• Experience working with geomagnetic data, magnetotelluric or geoelectric data and systems.
• Experience in programming and scripting in MS-Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Experience or ability to work with precision electronic and optical instrumentation.
• Postgraduate qualifications in physics, geophysics or mathematics.
• The ability to undertake occasional extended periods of fieldwork in remote parts of Australia and Antarctica

Are you unsure about applying?

Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role.

Use of AI in Recruitment

Geoscience Australia may use Microsoft Copilot to support limited administrative and preparatory aspects of the recruitment process. Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select candidates, and all decisions are human-led and based on merit.

Candidates must ensure their application reflects their own skills, experience and capabilities. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent where required, and must not misrepresent their suitability for the role. Candidates will be asked to disclose their use of AI when submitting an application and may also be asked to do so at various stages throughout the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment, as well as the Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment which outline expectations for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when applying for APS roles.

To be eligible to apply for this position

• Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application.
• The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level relevant to this role.
• Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre- employment screening, which includes a police history check.

Recruitability

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position. For more information please visit the Australian Public Service Commission website.

Hearing or speech impaired applicants are invited to use the National Relay Service by contacting 13 677, and requesting to be connected with our Recruitment and Delivery team on 02 777 in order to obtain selection documentation.

Technical Assistance

If you require technical assistance, call our Recruitment and Delivery team on (02) 777 or email [e-mail].

A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.