Careers

The latest career opportunities available at the Lowy Institute.

Research Assistant – IPDC, Pacific Aid Map

The Lowy Institute is seeking a Research Assistant to work within its Pacific Aid Map team.

The Lowy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan international policy think tank located in Sydney, Australia. It is Australia's leading think tank, providing high-quality research and distinctive perspectives on the international trends shaping Australia and the world.

The Lowy Institute hosts speeches by leading national and international figures and holds events and conferences to discuss key global issues. It aims to deepen the international policy debate in Australia and to give Australia a greater voice on the international stage.

About the role

Under the guidance of the Institute’s Deputy Director, Indo-Pacific Development Centre, the Research Assistant will assist with the collection and analysis of data that will contribute to the Pacific Aid Map and will provide economic analysis support to other senior researchers of the Centre.

The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing data on aid flows from numerous sources, collating the data on Microsoft Excel and analysing data on aid flows in the Pacific.

Responsibilities

  • Undertake desk-based research and data collection on aid flows in the Pacific, directed by the Deputy-Director.
  • Research will include sourcing data on aid flows from numerous sources, notably China, cross-checking data, collating the data on Microsoft Excel and analysing data on aid flows in the Pacific.
  • Conduct economic analysis related to the Indo-Pacific Development Centre work program, working with senior staff.
  • Provide additional research assistance and support to senior staff members in the Indo-Pacific Development Centre as required.
  • Support arrangement and co-ordination of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre events and roundtables.
  • Follow any reasonable work health and safety instructions given by Lowy Institute and maintain a safe working environment.
  • Cooperate with all work health and safety policies and procedures
  • Fulfill all responsibilities and accountabilities as prescribed in the Lowy Institute work health and safety management system relevant to your position.
  • Report all incidents, injuries and hazards to management or the Office Administrator.

About you

Candidates should have strong quantitative skills with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge and familiarity with Pacific Island dynamics and/or the desire to develop this. Possess a high level of editorial skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Knowledge in Mandarin is an asset, but not essential. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We are interested to hear from a diversity of high calibre individuals with something unique to offer.

The successful candidate will join the organisation at a level commensurate with experience, and with salary and benefits set accordingly.

How to apply

Please send a copy of your CV and cover letter to recruit@lowyinstitute.org.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

For additional information regarding the role please contact Lowy Institute recruitment via the email above or 02 8238 9000.


2024 Michael and Deborah Thawley Scholarship

The Michael and Deborah Thawley Scholarship offers an Australian official, officer, student, or recent graduate an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the work of two leading think tanks, the Lowy Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Scholarship

The scholarship provides direct exposure to the work of both organisations, at the intersection of research and policy in international affairs. The Thawley Scholar will work for a short period in the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, and spend 8–12 weeks in Washington DC at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Research to be carried out by the Thawley Scholar is flexible, but it is expected to place a strong emphasis on the regional and geopolitical dimensions of Australia’s strategic interests. Applicants should draw up a brief research agenda to be considered for publication. The scholar is expected to produce articles for the Lowy Institute’s digital magazine, The Interpreter, under the supervision of the Director of the International Security Program.

The CSIS placement offers a rare chance to gain direct insight into US debates on global strategic challenges and policy responses, including opportunities to interact with the Washington foreign policy establishment and to meet with high-level policymakers and commentators, and then to apply that knowledge professionally upon return to Australia.

The successful applicant will receive an A$10,000 award as well as a two-stage research placement in Sydney and Washington DC. In addition to the award, flights and a travel allowance are provided for the Washington placement. Domestic travel for the Sydney placement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The timing and length of the placement is flexible within the 2024 calendar year, and a start date would be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Applications

Applications should consist of a short cover letter, CV, and an 800-word draft article that might be suitable for publication on The Interpreter (applicants may submit previously published articles).

Please submit your application to the Director of the International Security Program, Sam Roggeveen (sroggeveen@lowyinstitute.org). Applications close at COB on 12 April.

Eligibility Requirements

There is no specific professional profile for the preferred applicant, but a competitive candidate will typically be either a promising junior to mid-career Australian Government official or Australian Defence Force officer, or an exceptional postgraduate student with wider experience and demonstrated interests in international security. Please note, this scholarship is only open to Australian citizens and holders of permanent residency.

A list of past Thawley scholars can be found here.