Job Overview & Organization Mission

Conduct rigorous policy research, author high-impact policy white papers, and brief federal departments on Indo-Pacific geopolitical security at ANU.

The Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University is seeking a distinguished Senior Public Policy & Geopolitical Governance Research Fellow in Canberra. You will lead impactful policy research on Australian foreign policy, regional geoeconomics, critical supply chain security, and democratic governance, briefing federal government departments (DFAT, PM&C, Defense).

As a key member of the team at Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, ACT, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Conduct independent,: Conduct independent, high-rigour research on Indo-Pacific geopolitical dynamics, economic statecraft, and multilateral treaties.
• Author influential: Author influential public policy monographs, academic journal articles, and confidential government briefing submissions.
• Deliver executive: Deliver executive education programs for senior Australian and international civil servants and diplomats.
• Engage in: Engage in public debate through national broadcast media commentary and parliamentary committee testimonies.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with international think-tanks (Brookings, CSIS, Chatham House) on Track 1.5 diplomacy dialogues.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Australian National University (ANU), candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, or Law.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• PhD in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, or Law.
• Proven track record of high-impact research influencing government policy or international security dialogues.
• Deep expertise in contemporary Indo-Pacific strategic relations and Australian foreign policy.
• Exceptional analytical writing, media communication, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Australian National University (ANU), we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$150,000 – AU$180,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $150,000 – $180,000 + 17% superannuation.
• Parkland Acton campus in Canberra close to Parliament House and government agencies.
• Prestigious academic platform shaping Australia’s national policy agenda.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Australian National University (ANU)

The Australian National University is Australia’s national university, renowned for world-class research in public policy and national security.

Australian National University (ANU) is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Australian National University (ANU) careers gateway.