• Full-time one-year fixed term with possibility for extension
• Located in Canberra
• Develop your research career and contribute to the Australia Institute’s ongoing research program
• Competitive remuneration and salary packaging options

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 integrity, and environmental issues.

As a researcher, you will use your skills and expertise to conduct research and analysis to work in one of the Australia Institute’s research programs and create impact by communicating and disseminating your research to policymakers, key stakeholders, and the general public.

This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your research career by undertaking research projects in a dynamic think-tank environment.

Key Responsibilities

Working as part of the Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy Program, Economics Program, or Democracy & Accountability Program, you will be responsible for:

• Production of high-quality research;
• Data analysis, report writing, editing, proofreading and undertaking literature reviews;
• Promotion of Australia Institute research, including fact-checking op-eds and other written material, media releases and other research content;
• Review of research work produced by other staff and critiquing evidence, argument and conclusions; and
• Special projects at the direction of the relevant program director.

The position is full time, on a twelve-month contract, with the possibility for renewal. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About You

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

• have a degree in a relevant discipline;
• have experience researching in the relevant discipline;
• have some background in research and analysis, with the ability to dig out relevant information and data with some supervision, and analyse the findings to draw reasonable conclusions;
• be a good writer and fast learner, who can prepare clear, well-organised, persuasive and grammatically correct writing and can quickly grasp a wide range of new topics;
• be a skilled communicator, who can clearly and accurately explain issues, and the context around them, so that they are understandable to non-specialists;
• be comfortable and experienced using MS Word and Excel; and
• be a team player who enjoys working with a high-performing team to get results and create impact.

We are particularly looking for researchers to join our Climate & Energy Program to continue its role as a key player in the national climate policy debate. Our Climate & Energy Program includes research into carbon credits, electricity market reform, fossil fuel and mineral mining, renewable energy and transport, and we are especially recruiting for researchers with the following skills:

• Emissions accounting and quantitative analysis skills
• Familiarity with climate and energy policy and Australian energy and climate reporting
• Experience researching in biodiversity or forestry economics

Applications are invited from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, people with disabilities, and other marginalised communities.

About Us

Our work is designed to influence and persuade policymakers and politicians and to shift the public debate. We are fiercely non-partisan, but we don’t shy away from engaging in debates on ideas. We believe in democracy, and our work is aimed at a better, more informed democratic debate.

Further information about our programs and priority research areas can be found on our website: www.australiainstitute.org.au