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Careers and Internships

Careers

We're hiring a lead developer/designer

Join a leading think tank and work at the forefront of digital design and data visualisation.

The Lowy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institution that informs Australian foreign policy. We strive to deepen the international policy debate and to give Australia a greater voice on the international stage. We produce world-class research and digital content, and host events with leading national and international figures in politics and the media.

We are looking for a lead developer/designer with three or more years of professional experience. The ideal candidate has the eye of a designer and the technical proficiency of a front-end developer. They know how to work with data and build digital products that work and look great across any device. They are a thoughtful and diligent creator who is attentive to both the big picture and the minor details.

About the role

This is a permanent full-time position.

You will participate in the concept design and development of interactive features and microsites. You will work collaboratively with research staff and external authors to create editorial design solutions to accompany publications and blog posts, particularly maps, infographics and data visualisations.

You will have freedom to work (and experiment) with the tech stack you prefer – we are tech-agnostic and encourage learning and iterating.

 

Essential skills

  • JavaScript, HTML, CSS
  • Modern JS frameworks (Svelte preferred but not required)
  • Thorough understanding of SVG
  • Illustrator and Photoshop (or similar – Figma, Sketch, etc)
  • Solid foundations in UX, design principles, and typography

 

Desirable skills

  • Charting libraries (D3)
  • Data languages and tools (Python, R, Excel)
  • Mapping tools (MapShaper, QGIS, Mapbox, etc)
  • Data journalism and editorial experience
  • Backend development

 

This is a unique opportunity to use your creative and technical skills to bring important research to life. To apply, send a short cover letter, CV and some examples of your work to Director of Digital Sam Roggeveen (sroggeveen@lowyinstitute.org).

 

Scholarships

2021 Michael and Deborah Thawley Scholarship

Applicants for the 2021 Thawley Scholarship should note that the selection process will remain suspended until we have more certainty about the lifting of overseas travel restrictions. We will update this page when we have more information.

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 initially work for a short period in the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, before spending 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. In Sydney, the scholar is expected to produce output 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$5000 award as well as a two-stage research placement, based in Sydney and Washington DC. In addition to the award, flights, visa costs, and a small travel allowance are provided for the Washington placement. Domestic travel and partial living costs for the Sydney placement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The timing and length of the placement is flexible within the 2020 calendar year, and a start date would be negotiated with the successful candidate. 

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. A knowledge of and interest in Southeast Asia is desirable. 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.