The Role

The Defence Strategic Review identified that the most critical aspect of the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) current and emerging capability is its personnel. In an increasingly competitive labour market, military recruitment and retention are central pillars underpinning the capability equation.

This position sits within a small research team engaged in ensuring the psychological assessment tools and techniques used in selecting people for the ADF are valid, reliable and fit-for-purpose. We are looking for a person with a background in psychology or the behavioural sciences, with qualifications and skills in action research, psychometrics/statistics, and data analysis.

The incumbent will take ownership of a small number of projects aimed at improving the degree of 'fit' between the person and the requirements of their preferred job role, leading to enhanced performance and satisfaction for the individual, and optimal capability for the ADF.

About our Team

The Directorate of Occupational Psychology is responsible for developing, evaluating and maintaining tools and techniques used by Defence psychologists to help optimise the 'fit' between Australian Defence Force (ADF) job roles and the people that fill those roles.

Working with relevant subject matter experts, this position is part of a small team responsible for identifying the cognitive and non-cognitive risk factors associated with complex ADF job roles, and identifying, developing and applying appropriate psychological and behavioural science methods of managing those risks.

This work contributes to force optimisation across the ADF life-cycle, from the effective transition of civilian applicants into the ADF, through analysis and reporting of factors influencing both work-related and personal effectiveness and efficiency, and minimising adjustment issues caused by person-job mismatch.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification (post-grad preferred) in Psychology or one of the behavioural sciences, with experience in the design, conduct and management of applied research projects in an occupational psychology setting. As a key member of the Data Analysis and Reporting team, you will bring a strong aptitude for quantitative and/or qualitative research and data analysis.

This position plays a critical role in providing the necessary evidence-based data analytics to support effective decision-making in Defence. The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of psychometrics and research design methodology, an ability to manipulate complex and robust data sets and to translate statistical analyses into meaningful insights.

An interest in data storytelling, a willingness to learn, and attention to detail is essential. Strong written and oral communication skills to build productive work relationships and the ability to plan, manage, and prioritise tasks to ensure timely delivery of outputs.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 19 June 2025.

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DPG/04301/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=7F3DF4C6-989D-D2CD-16D9-E3D7D34DABF1