Defence Security Adviser

UOM University of Melbourne; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a Defence Security Adviser to lead the Defence Industry Security Program and strengthen protection for defence research. You will advise researchers and leaders, manage clearances and incidents, and drive continuous improvement in research security.

Join a collaborative team within Melbourne Research & Enterprise to enable secure external engagement with government and defence partners while upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in defence security governance and research integrity.
• Ability to advise researchers and leaders on security responsibilities.
• Knowledge of risk-based security controls and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance and compliance processes to meet DISP obligations.
• Provide advice, training and briefings on defence security responsibilities.
• Manage DISP documentation, clearances and incident records.
• Conduct risk assessments and support audits to improve security posture.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and defence partners to enable secure engagement.

Skills

Defence security

Risk assessment

Governance & compliance

Clearances management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Continuing Department: MRE - Office for Research Ethics and Integrity Salary: UOM 8 - $125,191 - $135,504 p.a. plus 17% super Lead defence security / shape the University's DISP governance / collaborate with researchers, government and defence partners Join us to safeguard sensitive defence research, strengthen DISP compliance and enable secure, high-impact national security partnerships. Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity:

You will lead the University's Defence Industry Security Program responsibilities, strengthening security for defence and sensitive research. You will advise researchers and leaders, manage clearances and incidents, and drive continuous improvement in research security. For those passionate about national security and research integrity, you will shape safe and impactful collaborations.

What you will deliver:

• Lead governance and compliance processes that meet DISP obligations and strengthen security for defence and sensitive research.
• Provide authoritative advice, training and briefings to researchers and leaders on defence security responsibilities and best practice.
• Manage DISP documentation, reporting, security clearances and incident records to ensure institutional assurance and audit readiness.
• Conduct risk assessments, support audits and recommend pragmatic controls that improve the University's defence security posture.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, government and defence partners to enable secure external engagement and collaboration.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience with understanding of research or defence environments.
• Possess sound knowledge of security, risk, governance and compliance frameworks, and communicate obligations in practical terms.
• Demonstrate high integrity, strong judgement and experience assessing risk and recommending pragmatic security controls.
• Build productive relationships across academia, HR, cyber and physical security, government and defence to achieve shared security outcomes.
• Develop and improve governance processes, documentation and audit-ready controls supporting assurance and compliance.
• Manage sensitive information, clearances, incidents and competing priorities with strong organisation skills and attention to detail.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balanceand well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team:

Melbourne Research & Enterprise (MRE) supports researchers to secure funding, build partnerships and translate discoveries into real-world impact. Within MRE, the Office for Research Ethics and Integrity provide specialist guidance on ethics, integrity, governance and research security across the University. You will join a collaborative, values-driven team that works closely with Melbourne National Security & Defence, cyber and physical security experts, and government partners to protect sensitive research and enable trusted collaborations. The team values initiative, constructive feedback and continuous improvement, and offers rich exposure to complex, high-profile projects.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Applications close:

Applications close: Monday 12 October 2026 - 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

PD_JR-018632 Defence Security Adviser.pdf PD_JR-018632 Defence Security Adviser.docx

Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world-class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. Why choose us? You'll work among the best, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with passion. Whether you're driving groundbreaking research, inspiring the next generation through teaching, or providing essential professional services, we empower you to excel. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward-thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success. Discover more Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities? We would love to connect with you!

Want to know more? For queries related to this specific position, contact Mel Green at [e-mail]. For questions related to our recruitment process email Alessandro Storani at [e-mail]. For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at [e-mail] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').