Research Officer

Department of Defence; Sale; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Defence seeks an APS 6 Research Officer to contribute to applied research in military aviation recruitment, selection and training at RAAF Base East Sale (Victoria). You will manage candidate databases and test systems, perform psychometric analysis, and produce evidence-based reports to inform standards and policy.

You will also contribute to training, workforce design and HR systems supporting Officer and Enlisted Aviation capability, applying cognitive psychology,

Qualifications

• Experience in psychological research, data management and statistical analysis.
• Ability to manage and analyse complex datasets and translate findings into practical insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage candidate databases and test systems with data quality assurance.
• Perform psychometric analysis and validation of assessment measures; produce evidence-based reports.

Skills

Psychology research

Data management

Statistical analysis

Report writing

Data analysis

Written communication

Verbal communication

Psychometrics

Research design

Education

Psychology or Behavioural Science (Honours preferred)

Job description

The APS 6 Research Officer works within the Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC), RAAF Base East Sale (Victoria). This role undertakes applied research in military aviation recruitment, selection and training. Responsibilities include management of candidate databases and test systems, data quality assurance, psychometric analysis and validation of assessment measures, and production of evidence-based reports and briefs that inform selection standards and policy.

This role also contributes to training, workforce design and human-resource management systems that support the Officer and Enlisted Aviation capability. This role requires experience in psychological research, data management and statistical analysis, and possesses strong team and communication skills, and autonomy and motivation to achieve tasks within required timeframes.

About our Team

The Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC) located at RAAF Base East Sale is responsible for the management of ADF Officer and EnlistedAviation Candidates throughrecruitment, selection and training. The ACMC works under the Directorate of Workforce Aviation - Air Force and in partnership with Defence Force Recruiting, the Air Academy, Personnel Branch, Psychology, Navy and Army. The ACMC has three distinct programs:

• Aviation Motivation Program (attraction).
• Aviation Screening Program (selection).
• Aviation Progression Program (standards and validation)

This role is a part of a 4-person team within the Aviation Progression Program (APP). The APP is responsible for the data management, assessment methods, and research that informs the selection system and standards.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will hold a tertiary qualification in Psychology or Behavioural Science (Honours preferred), and have experience in applied research. As a member of the Aviation Candidate Management Centre, you will contribute expertise in psychological assessment, research, data analysis and reporting.

This role is integral to supporting evidence-based decision-making for Officer and Enlisted Aviation recruitment and selection. The successful candidate will possess knowledge of cognitive psychology, psychometrics, and research design, along with the ability to manage and analyse complex datasets and translate findings into practical insights.

A strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage competing tasks are essential. You will also bring well developed written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to build productive working relationships and deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The key duties of the position include:

The Role

The APS 6 Research Officer works within the Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC), RAAF Base East Sale (Victoria). This role undertakes applied research in military aviation recruitment, selection and training. Responsibilities include management of candidate databases and test systems, data quality assurance, psychometric analysis and validation of assessment measures, and production of evidence-based reports and briefs that inform selection standards and policy.

This role also contributes to training, workforce design and human-resource management systems that support the Officer and Enlisted Aviation capability. This role requires experience in psychological research, data management and statistical analysis, and possesses strong team and communication skills, and autonomy and motivation to achieve tasks within required timeframes.

About our Team

The Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC) located at RAAF Base East Sale is responsible for the management of ADF Officer and EnlistedAviation Candidates throughrecruitment, selection and training. The ACMC works under the Directorate of Workforce Aviation - Air Force and in partnership with Defence Force Recruiting, the Air Academy, Personnel Branch, Psychology, Navy and Army. The ACMC has three distinct programs:

• Aviation Motivation Program (attraction).
• Aviation Screening Program (selection).
• Aviation Progression Program (standards and validation)

This role is a part of a 4-person team within the Aviation Progression Program (APP). The APP is responsible for the data management, assessment methods, and research that informs the selection system and standards.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will hold a tertiary qualification in Psychology or Behavioural Science (Honours preferred), and have experience in applied research. As a member of the Aviation Candidate Management Centre, you will contribute expertise in psychological assessment, research, data analysis and reporting.

This role is integral to supporting evidence-based decision-making for Officer and Enlisted Aviation recruitment and selection. The successful candidate will possess knowledge of cognitive psychology, psychometrics, and research design, along with the ability to manage and analyse complex datasets and translate findings into practical insights.

A strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage competing tasks are essential. You will also bring well developed written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to build productive working relationships and deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner.

Eligibility

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers