• Research Associate, Foreign Policy and Defence Program
  
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term contract (potential to go permanent)
  
• Annual salary between $73,000 - $80,000 + 11.5% superannuation (determined based on experience)
  

About the Centre

The United States Studies Centre (USSC), located at the University of Sydney, is an independent foreign policy research centre. The USSC provides balanced and objective analysis, evidence-based insights and tangible solutions to complex problems for policymakers, businesses, students and the public. Our vision to shape policy, debate and ideas by deepening Australians' understanding of, and strengthening Australia's relationship with, the United States.

Click here to learn more about the United States Studies Centre's mission.

About the opportunity

The United States Studies Centre is recruiting a Research Associate to contribute to the work of the Foreign Policy and Defence research program. The Research Associate will assist the Program Director with all aspects of their program, supporting research projects, conducting policy outreach and delivering overarching administrative support.

As an integral member of our USSC team, the successful applicant will be immersed in the research, policy outreach activities and major events of one of Australia's leading think tanks.

The Research Associate will work across several of the following priority areas:

• US and Australian strategic policy
  
• Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) partnership
  
• US and Australian Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships, including the US-Australia-Japan Trilateral Strategic Dialogue and Taiwan-Australia relations
  
• Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise
  
• Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
  
• Australia-US defence industrial base cooperation
  
• Deterrence and counter-coercion
  
• Foreign policy trends in US Congress.
  

Primary responsibilities include:

• providing research assistance and written work in support of program publications
  
• contributing to the delivery of Track 2.0 and 1.5 roundtables, conferences and other events
  
• supporting program engagement with US, Australian and regional government and non-government stakeholders
  
• assisting with database management, grant applications, editing, reporting and other administrative tasks
  
• inputting into empirical and data work when required.
  

The position offers a unique opportunity for early career researchers and/or international affairs professionals to develop their applied research, project management and outreach skills as part of a dynamic team; and to deepen subject matter expertise in the United States and Australia.

Applicants should also possess a relevant degree (preferably Bachelor's or Honours) and related work experience.

Preference will be given to applicants who can independently manage administrative and research tasks; have strong research, writing and communication skills; and have one or more years of experience in research, think tanks, government or other related roles.

Click here for the Position Description.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the employee's salary and superannuation, the Centre provides a range of benefits including:

• Family-friendly working hours and flexible working arrangements that let you balance your work and personal responsibilities
  
• Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, carers leave, long service leave, family violence leave and paid parental leave
  
• Breastfeeding rooms and a breastfeeding policy, with several childcare centres near the University
  
• Professional development allowance, plus a range of training and development opportunities provided by the University
  
• Salary packaging for motor vehicles, laptops and superannuation
  
• Staff discounts on selected bank products and health insurance
  
• UniSuper superannuation advice, seminars and financial advisers
  
• Discounted rates to Uni sport and fitness centres
  
• Free annual flu vaccinations
  
• Free counselling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service
  
• Discounted veterinary services for pets of staff
  
• Free access to the University library.
  

About our Culture

The Centre is committed to building a culture that fosters collaboration, career progression, diversity, inclusion, mental health and sustainability. We have a Social Responsibility Committee that organises regular events and training sessions and our Social Club meets monthly.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to apply

Submission to [email protected]

• Cover letter (max. 1-page)
  
• CV or resumé (max. 3-pages)
  
• Contact details for two referees
  
• Writing sample (max. 10-pages)