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

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.

The Opportunity

The Senior Creative Technologist (AI + human systems) brings an interdisciplinary hands-on approach to exploring and developing novel systems to augment and extend human intelligence and capability. The role is focused on rapidly prototyping and testing breakthrough product experiences that bring AI into the real world so that it can augment and extend scientific work and knowledge creation.

In this role you will take direct responsibility for delivering the first iterations of sophisticated human-machine interfaces for cross-disciplinary collaboration including embodied, situated interaction with AI systems and integration with smart labs and sensor networks, collaborating on the invention of highly controllable human/machine interfaces with unprecedented expressive power. You will take successful proofs of concepts through to prototypes and implementations to be tested on real scientific problems, co-inventing novel multi-modal interaction techniques to help address some of Australia’s greatest challenges.

To succeed in this role you must be comfortable with designing, prototyping and field-testing systems using advanced techniques and technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality (XR) in development environments from web3D to Unity, multimodal (e.g. gestural, tangible, haptic and conversational) interaction, ubiquitous computing, brain/computer interfaces and networked/federated web application development, assembling these into expressions of multi-technology applications built on hybrid systems incorporating neuro-symbolic and generative AI capabilities, to uplift the delivery of impact-driven science.

This will require you to demonstrate leadership through influence of creative, technical and subject-matter experts in the sciences at all levels from early career contributors to senior leaders. You will be working with and advising interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and designers to co-create novel tools for scientific research, drawing on your experience leading the development of applications using cutting-edge AI technologies and in the application of design thinking methodologies such as vision-driven design and speculative prototyping.

Your duties will include:

• Deliver functional and/or experiential prototypes of novel interactive products and systems incorporating current AI toolchains, complex datasets and emerging or nascent user needs.
• Experiment with and invent new approaches to interactive multidimensional knowledge systems using established and emerging technologies (e.g. mixed and augmented reality, motion design, multi-modal interaction, spatial computing and conversational interaction).
• Understand and apply iterative and lean design and engineering practices, helping to mentor and guide interdisciplinary teams to adopt agile principles and ways of working.
• Operate and lead in ambiguous and uncertain contexts, collaborating across disciplines across both CSIRO internally and with external partners to ensure that identified goals are achieved, both on a project level and an organisational level.
• Other duties as directed.

Actively contribute to applied science and technology research culture at CSIRO

• Help to build our interdisciplinary prototyping culture and deeper understanding of creative technology and concept development practices across the business through demonstration, delivery, presentations, blogs or other channels.
• Stay aware of and involved in the development of industry practices in digital platforms, technology, design and product-led invention and innovation and share this new knowledge back to the team and organisation.
• Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully within and across teams, and with key stakeholders, in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and the reputation of both CSIRO and Data61.
• Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Code of Conduct, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.

Location: Sydney Preferred – Melbourne and Brisbane considered

Salary: AU$121,455 - AU$161,767plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference: 95667

To be considered you will need:

Essential

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all criteria can be appointed.

• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or or equivalent relevant work experience in a related discipline (e.g. interactive art, design, mechatronics, technology, innovation & entrepreneurship)
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant professional career experience as a creative technology practitioner. Proven expertise and skills with a portfolio of work and case studies describing the individual contribution, leadership and approach taken.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a creative technical leadership role, with a proven track record of operating at the executive level as an innovation advocate.
• Proficiency in, and/or demonstrated aptitude for rapidly learning, a wide variety of programming environments/languages.
• Demonstrated ability to work inventively from and co-create conceptual communications with science, design, engineering and product collaborators (e.g., user scenarios, user flows, user stories, animations, interactive 3D prototypes, etc).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver a range of highly inventive solution prototypes for testing with users, subsequent implementation with prototype or development teams.
• Exceptional communication skills – written, oral and visual, including the ability to identify and influence critical stakeholders to gain support for contentious proposals/ideas.
• A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment, and sound interpersonal skills as evidenced by the ability to work effectively and collaboratively within and across teams.
• The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously and carry out non-routine tasks independently.
• Proven ability to investigate underlying issues of complex and ill-defined problems and develop appropriate responses by adapting/creating and testing alternative solutions.

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.

Applications Close

11th February 2024, 11:00pm AEST - Please apply as soon as possible, shortlisting to begin prior to closing date.