Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarships (ITSS) - CSIRO - WaterCareer

First listed on: 15 August 2019

Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarships (ITSS) 

  • Studying STEM and interested in joining a research voyage on Australia’s blue-water research vessel Investigator?
  • Do you want to gain valuable, real-world at sea research experience?
  • Apply for an Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship today!


The Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship is an initiative of the Marine National Facility (MNF) under the CSIRO Indigenous Engagement Strategy which seeks to significantly increase Indigenous employment and engagement nationally within CSIRO. Through this strategy, CSIRO aims to enhance the educational, employment, training and career development opportunities for people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Funded by the Australian Government, owned and operated by CSIRO under direction of an independent Steering Committee, the MNF provides a blue-water research capability to the Australian scientific community and their international collaborators. This capability includes the research vessel Investigator. An opportunity exists for two university students to undertake a work placement with the MNF on board the RV Investigator for a research voyage from Darwin to Fremantle as part of the science contingent and MNF technical services team.

The voyage will provide the opportunity to gain a unique experience on Australia’s only blue water research vessel to facilitate skill development and networking, while gaining exposure to methods and techniques applicable to careers in marine science and the maritime industry more broadly. The costs of the voyage, including the costs of travel to and from commencing and terminating points and accommodation, will be covered by the MNF.

Location:  Darwin, NT to Fremantle, WA

Scholarship:  Up to AU$1,559.85 per fortnight (before tax)
Duration:  Approximately 3 weeks, including 11 days on the RV Investigator (23 December 2019 to 2 January 2020)
Reference:  62977

Pre-Requisites/Eligibility

Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarships are open to students who are:

  • enrolled in full-time study in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) at an Australian university;
  • of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
  • be able to pass a seagoing medical, attend pre-voyage meetings and complete additional pre-departure materials.

CSIRO’s Commitment to Diversity

We’re working hard to recruit diverse people and ensure all our people feel supported to do their best work and empowered to let their ideas flourish. D&I

About CSIRO

At CSIRO you can be part of helping to solve big, complex problems that make a real difference to our future. We spark off each other, learn from each other, trust each other and collaborate to achieve more than we could individually in a supportive, rewarding, inclusive and truly flexible environment.

CSIRO National Collections & Marine Infrastructure

Through CSIRO’s National Collections and Marine Infrastructure (NCMI) business unit we manage collections of plants and animals of Australian and International significance and operate the Marine National Facility on behalf of Australia.

Apply Online

To apply for an Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship you will be required to:

  1. Submit a resume in the ‘Resume/CV’ field.
  2. Upload your most recent academic results (or confirmation of enrolment if you have only recently commenced your studies) in the ‘Cover Letter’ field.
  3. Upload evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (this can be a letter from the Indigenous Engagement Unit of your university) in the ‘Eligibility Documents’ field (this can be provided later if necessary).

For further information on this opportunity please contact Ben Arthur via email at: Ben.Arthur@csiro.au or by phone on (03) 6232 5078. Please do not email your application directly to Ben Arthur. Applications received via this method will not be considered.

If you require assistance applying online call 1300 984 220 or email careers.online@csiro.au

Applications Close

10 September 2019