Senior Research and Engagement Fellow - Canberra / ACT, ACT, Australia

IvyTower; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian National University seeks a Senior Research and Engagement Fellow for the Pacific Security College. You will lead research and policy engagement to address Pacific security priorities and translate findings into practical policy advice.

You will develop and deliver research projects, publish academically and produce policy-focused outputs, and connect research with policy through dialogue and events with governments and regional partners. Travel to Pacific island countries is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Expertise in Pacific security, public policy, international relations or a related field.
• Proven record of high-quality research and publications with policy impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and policy engagement that supports Pacific priorities.
• Develop and deliver research projects, publish outputs, and advise policy.
• Build partnerships with governments, universities and regional institutions; travel to Pacific islands.

Skills

Pacific security

Policy engagement

Research leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent qualifications

Job description

Classification: Academic Level C

Salary package: $149,657–$166,338 per annum plus 17% superannuation

Terms: Full-time, fixed-term (until 30 November 2029)

Key responsibilities include:

• Make a meaningful contribution to Pacific security through research and policy engagement at ANU’s Pacific Security College.
• Lead research that responds to Pacific priorities and translates evidence into practical policy advice.
• Join a collaborative team and build partnerships with governments, universities and regional institutions across the Pacific.

In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80.

Position Overview

The Pacific Security College is funded by the Australian Government and is part of the Crawford School of Public Policy within the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy at the Australian National University.

Reporting to the Director, the Senior Research and Engagement Fellow will lead and undertake research and policy engagement that support the College’s work with Pacific island countries. The role will work closely with colleagues and Pacific partners to identify research priorities and deliver analysis that is academically rigorous, practically relevant and responsive to the region’s security challenges.

The Senior Research and Engagement Fellow will develop and deliver research projects, produce academic publications and policy-focused outputs and communicate findings to diverse audiences. The role will connect research, policy and practice through policy dialogue, workshops and engagement with government officials, regional organisations and academic institutions.

The successful candidate will build and maintain research and stakeholder partnerships, support collaborative research with Pacific scholars and practitioners and contribute expertise to the College’s education, professional development and technical assistance activities. Travel to Pacific island countries will be required.

While the position has a core set of responsibilities, there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to contribute in ways that align with their interests, expertise and professional development goals.

The Person

You will bring a PhD in a relevant discipline, or equivalent qualifications and professional experience, together with expertise in Pacific security, public policy, international relations or a related field.

You will have a strong record of high-quality research and publications, together with demonstrated experience translating research into accessible policy advice and practical outcomes, consistent with appointment at Academic Level C.

You will have demonstrated experience developing and managing research projects, applying appropriate research methods and delivering high-quality outputs within agreed timeframes. You will be able to identify emerging issues and develop research that responds to the priorities of Pacific partners.

You will bring strong communication and engagement skills, including the ability to present complex findings clearly, facilitate policy discussions and build productive relationships with government officials, researchers and practitioners.

You will work collaboratively and demonstrate an understanding of Pacific contexts, respect for Pacific knowledge and perspectives and the ability to work effectively across cultures.

The ability to exercise initiative and good judgement, manage competing priorities and contribute to a supportive and collaborative team environment is essential.

The College

The Pacific Security College is funded by the Australian Government and is part of the Crawford School of Public Policy within the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy at the Australian National University.

The Pacific Security College works with Pacific island countries to build the capacity of officials to address a broad range of security challenges through executive and professional development courses, policy workshops, technical assistance and research.

We take a holistic approach to Pacific security, encompassing traditional and non-traditional security issues and guided by the Pacific Islands Forum’s Boe Declaration on Regional Security, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration.

We work in a spirit of service and collaboration with our Pacific stakeholders in national governments, universities, civil society organisations and regional institutions.

For further information please contact Pacific Security College Director Professor Dave Peebles, E: [e-mail]

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For enquiries about the application process, or if you require reasonable adjustment to apply for this role, please contact the hiring manager using the details above.

Applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.