Research And Policy Officer

About the Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science was founded by Royal Charter in 1954 and annually admits Australia’s leading scientists to its Fellowship. The Academy is an independent non-profit organisation that recognises outstanding contributions to science and research, provides expert advice to government, contributes to the development of science policy, promotes science education and public understanding of science, and fosters international scientific relations. This position is part of a Secretariat who work as a team to support activities undertaken by the Academy.

Employee Benefits 

•  Free parking in the city
• Work in a beautiful heritage site and surrounds
• Up to 17% superannuation 
• Options to salary sacrifice
• Flexible working hours
• Paid Christmas closedown
• Generous employee assistance program
• Professional Development support

Position Purpose

The Research and Policy Officer plays a critical role in the Academy’s Science Policy and National Committees for Science teams, working in close collaboration with leading scientists, colleagues, government, and industry to support the provision of science advice for Australia.

This role is shared between the Science Policy and National Committees teams. The National Committees for Science team supports 22 discipline-based committees that provide advice to the Academy, government, national and international organisations, and undertake activities that serve to foster their disciplines. 

The Research and Policy Officer will support, encourage and guide the varied work of the committees, attend committee meetings and assist with the operational tasks of the wider team. The Research and Policy Officer will work with the Manager National Committees for Science to provide policy-relevant guidance to the committees and assist with the preparation of policy advice to the Academy’s science policy team, alongside supporting committees’ ongoing work as required.

This role has a strong focus on stakeholder liaison, particularly external, and manages a wide range of ongoing tasks and projects. 

This role will suit a graduate and aspiring policy or science communication professional interested in working closely with Australia’s pre-eminent scientists to inform scientific and related public policy. A track record of success in providing evidence-based policy advice is desirable, as is a broad understanding of public policy and current issues in research policy, science, and technology. A tertiary level qualification in a science-related discipline, experience in project management, and qualitative and quantitative research skills would be an advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager Research and Policy: 

• Work to support colleagues develop policy submissions, position papers and discussion papers on relevant science or public policy issues.
• Contribute to the Academy’s policy and advocacy objectives by identifying relevant and emerging issues, providing strategic advice, and undertaking desktop Research and data analysis as required.
• Proactively identify and draw on the expertise of Fellows, National Committee members, Early- and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Forum members and colleagues to inform and shape policy development.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including the Academy Fellowship, National Committees for Science, other Learned Academies, relevant government agencies, the higher education sector, industry representatives and international organisations.
• Prepare briefings, correspondence, discussion papers, presentations and communication products on science, education, and research issues.
• Liaise actively with the National Committees for Science chairs and members to encourage, guide and support committee activities and projects, including communicating and working with relevant organisations and Academy staff.
• Attend National Committee meetings on behalf of the secretariat and team, including providing advice to members during meetings and taking meeting minutes. 
• Perform other duties as directed in support of general Science Policy and National Committees efforts.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Formal qualifications or progress towards a tertiary level qualification in a science-related discipline.
• Proven administration and organisational experience.

The following are not required but desirable: 

• Experience in project management
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills 

Selection Criteria

• Experience or confidence in attending meetings to represent the secretariat.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to synthesise input from a range of sources.
• High-level interpersonal skills and able to interact with a diverse range of people, including external stakeholders. 
• Well-developed administration and organisational skills, including high attention to detail. 
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to draft content, such as for briefing documents and newsletters.
• A commitment to workplace diversity, workplace participation, WHS and equity principles.

Contact Details

Further information on the position is available from Hayley Teasdale, Manager Policy Projects at **@science.org.au 

Applications

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• Your Resume; and  
• A cover letter summarising how you believe your skills and experience would be a good fit for the role (max 2 pages please)

Please apply by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://www.happyhr.com/jobs/single-page/?id=846

Applications close Tuesday 30th January 2024 4pm AEDT

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment.  The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.