• Carlton VIC
• Research (public policy)
• Ongoing, full time
• Salary range $90,000 - $120,000 (inc. super)

Looking to solve some of Australia’s most pressing policy issues? Join a think tank that is making a difference

Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrated interest in Australian public policy.
• Clear written/oral communication skills.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills (social sciences, sciences, statistics, law, finance, or economics) and familiarity with Excel and/or R.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in the public sector, industry, academia, and/or consulting.

About Grattan Institute

Grattan Institute is Australia’s leading public policy think tank. We do research and advocacy to improve the lives of all Australians. 

Based in Melbourne, with an eminent Board of Directors, and dynamic CEO and leadership team, we are looking for a talented researcher with a passion for public policy to join our team.

Grattan’s unique culture provides an opportunity to add significant value from your first project. You will be working with a small, driven, and supportive team to deliver high-quality policy research. 

What this role will offer you:

This is an ideal career step for a passionate and motivated individual looking to influence public policy in a meaningful organisation. 

This role offers the opportunity to conduct rigorous and data-driven research and to make the case for policy change. Our work is independent, so your focus will be on policy changes in the public interest rather than any private or vested interest.

You will be joining a great group of people who are intellectually curious, love their work, and are passionate about what they do.

The successful candidate will begin work within one of our six program teams: Economic Prosperity and Democracy, Housing and Economic Security, Education, Energy and Climate Change, Health, or Disability. Associates are encouraged to work in different teams over time, developing their policy expertise. 

This is a permanent, ongoing position. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant to fill the role. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to secure the right person for this role. In addition, we offer employee benefits including salary packaging, a book club, bike storage, and a well-stocked kitchen. 

Diversity and equal employment opportunity

Grattan Institute is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of talented researchers in the Australian community. We encourage applicants from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people living with disability.

How to apply 

Please apply by clicking Apply Now below. To be considered for the role, candidates are required to submit all components mentioned in the selection criteria (see below).

Selection Criteria

• Resume: relevant and recent employment history, qualifications, and a minimum of 2 references.
• Cover Letter: outlining the reason for your interest in the role, your earliest start date (month is fine), your professional work experience, and setting out the following:
  • Confirmation of successful completion of at minimum a Bachelor Degree in a relevant field of study as per the ideal candidate description;
  • The weighted average mark achieved for your Bachelor degree, showing at least a distinction average (note, shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide transcripts); and
  • Details of any higher degrees completed (Honours, Masters, or PhD).

Further Details:

Please carefully read the advertisement. The “ideal candidate” and “selection criteria” outlines the qualifications, skills and experience required for this role. We also have an FAQs section on our careers page which might be helpful for common queries: grattan.edu.au/careers. 

If you have a query that isn’t addressed in this advertisement or on the careers page, you can email the HR Team at [email protected] using the subject line: Associate enquiry via EthicalJobs. Allow at least 2 days for a response.