ANSTO Science Careers

• leading edge research using neutron and X-ray scattering to discover how matter is made up at the molecular and atomic scale
• developing radioactive medicines for use in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
• using isotopes to understand processes in the environment such as the water balance in river basins.

All of these applications require highly trained and competent scientists, engineers and technicians.

ANSTO is a large employer of scientists, with about one third of its staff devoted specifically to scientific research.

We employ physicists, chemists, biologists and science support staff. Some of our scientists have skills and knowledge transferable to an array of scientific areas but, also, some are more specialised to the nuclear field ANSTO is best known for.

The work ANSTO does touches the lives of all Australians in many ways. Every Australian, for instance, will, on average, undertake a nuclear medicine procedure using a radioisotope produced by the organisation.

Working in science often requires effective teamwork and collaboration, and can involve both Australian and international scientists. This collaboration can involve travelling overseas to work with colleagues and attending conferences.

Not all ANSTO employees with science degrees work in science; some work in project management, government liaison, communications and other administrative functions. Their science degree gives them a greater understanding of the organisation and the issues it faces, whilst also helping them to communicate effectively with scientists, staff members and the wider community

Materials and engineering science

ANSTO is a major centre of materials science expertise in Australia with a multidisciplinary team of ceramicists, metallurgists, physicists, chemists, engineers and earth scientists. The organisation plays a significant role in maintaining Australia's international profile in the field of nuclear science and technology and enhancing the sustainability and international competitiveness of Australian industry.

Neutron scattering

The Bragg Institute - where ANSTO's neutron scattering science is undertaken - was named as a tribute to the father and son team of William and Lawrence Bragg, who were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1915 for their work in founding a new branch of science of great significance and importance ? the analysis of crystal structure.

Neutrons and X-rays are complementary scientific tools; their application is at the forefront of understanding the structure of materials, and ANSTO staff frequently use both to solve complex problems. The Bragg Institute is one of the world's leading institutes of its kind, with ANSTO's research reactor, OPAL, producing reliable streams of neutron beams. The Bragg Institute is forging extensive links between ANSTO and other national and international research and commercial organisations.

Environmental science

ANSTO is an international leader in applying nuclear science to environmental research, with climate change issues being a focus. Our specialist nuclear facilities include ANSTO's two accelerators, ANTARES and STAR.

Our goal at ANSTO is to carry out project-based, balanced strategic and applied research and development. This includes developing and providing cost-effective management strategies for resources and wastes and novel nuclear science and technology to define, model and understand the natural environment.

Health science

ANSTO undertakes various radiobiological studies featuring applications of radioisotopes in autoradiography, drug biodistribution, drug metabolism, and receptor and transporter binding under physiological or pathological conditions. Experiments can be conducted in vivo in rodents or in vitro with human and animal cells or tissues. The laboratories are supported by facilities for organic synthesis, radiopharmaceutical preparation and the handling of a range of research isotopes.

Safety and radiation services

Safety is a core part of ANSTO and we have a large group dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of the 900 plus people who work for the organisation, as well as that of the surrounding community, our contractors, suppliers and scientific and business partners. These staff have expertise in physics, health physics, chemistry, occupational hygiene, engineering, risk assessment, biochemistry, medicine and computer programming, fire prevention and fire fighting training, safety training, and the safety assessment of work and projects.

Radiopharmaceuticals and industrial isotope production

Australia is one of a limited number of countries that produce the radioactive tracers necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. If we were not able to produce radiopharmaceuticals here, we would have to import them from as far away as Europe, South Africa or North America.

The radiopharmaceuticals are primarily manufactured at two facilities operated by ANSTO - at its nuclear research reactor located at Lucas Heights , near Sydney , and at its cyclotron at Camperdown near central Sydney and are supplied to nuclear medicine centres across Australia.

ANSTO also supplies industrial isotopes for use in industries such as automotive, energy/power, mining, aerospace, chemicals and engineering.  

For more information

If you are interested in finding our more about careers in science at ANSTO, then you can email or phone us on 02 9717 3111. For current career opportunities see Vacancies.

If you would like to know more about the wide range of jobs in science itself, or are interested to learn about relevant issues in undertaking a career in science, see the website Careers in Science  - Choose Your Own Adventure.