Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

• Develop your research career and contribute to the Australia Institute’s ongoing research program
• $90,000 p.a. plus super
• One-to-two-year fixed-term position
• Located in Canberra 

About the opportunity

The Australia Institute is Australia’s leading independent think-tank. We produce high-quality, timely research designed to have impact across a broad range of economic, social, accountability and environmental issues. 

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will apply the skills and knowledge gained in your PhD to Australia Institute research projects. You will learn how to extend your research abilities beyond academia and enhance your communication skills so that you can disseminate your research to policymakers, key stakeholders, and the general public. 

Applications are invited from candidates interested in making a general contribution to the Australia Institute’s existing research agenda. Proposals for specific project ideas will also be considered. All Fellows will be expected to collaborate on Australia Institute priorities.  

Key Responsibilities

Working as part of the Australia Institute research team, you will do a combination of the following:

• Conduct research
• Disseminate and communicate your research results to policy makers, the media, and the general public 
• Assist in organising and promoting seminars and workshops 
• Prepare competitive grant applications
• Collaborate with like-minded organisations
• Participate in a program of professional development 

In addition to research papers, Postdoctoral Research Fellows can expect to contribute to a range of documents including discussion papers, op-eds, and submissions to parliamentary inquiries. Depending on the nature of the research, Fellows may find themselves liaising with other academic experts, parliamentarians, journalists, broadcast presenters, public servants, or other relevant stakeholders.

About you

We are looking for people who believe that research matters, and who want to use their research skills to drive important public policy debates in Australia. Applicants must have:

• A PhD, and the right to work in Australia 
• Demonstrated knowledge of and an emerging profile in your field of expertise
• Evidence of the ability to conduct independent research and assume responsibility for the development and completion of research projects and publications
• The ability to write clearly and persuasively 
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• Strong interest in policy debate and public institutions

Our research programs are varied, and we welcome applications from across all research disciplines. We encourage applications from both quantitative and qualitative researchers. 

Please note: It is a requirement of this position that you work from our Canberra office. Remote or work-from-home arrangements are not available. Salary is non-negotiable.

About us

Our work is designed to shift the public debate and to influence policymakers and politicians. The Australia Institute is fiercely non-partisan, but we don’t shy away from engaging in public debates. We believe in democracy and seek to shape a better, more informed democratic process. Further information about us and our work can be found at www.australiainstitute.org.au 

We offer

• The opportunity to work at Australia’s leading independent think-tank
• Competitive remuneration and salary packaging options
• Employee Assistance Program
• A commitment to professional development

To apply

• Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia. 
• Applicants must have completed their PhD – this means you have received your examiner’s report and you are eligible to graduate. 
• Applications are welcome from anyone who has been awarded a PhD in the five years prior to July 2024. Career interruptions (e.g., time out for caring responsibilities) do not count towards these five years.

To apply, please provide a copy of your CV, contact details for two referees, and a letter no longer than two pages outlining:

• How the knowledge and skills gained in your PhD could be used to bring about change in an important public policy issue currently facing Australia, and
• Why you are applying for the role, and how you feel this experience will help with your future career goals.

Please send your application to recruitment@australiainstitute.org.au. 
Please include in the covering email confirmation that you have the right to work in Australia, and that you have received, or will soon be awarded, your PhD.

For further questions or information regarding these opportunities, please email your request to  recruitment@australiainstitute.org.au, and we will get back to you. 

Applications close at 11.59 pm AEST on Sunday 21 July 2024.