Research Associate for the India Chair
The Lowy institute is currently recruiting for a Research Associate for the India Chair.
About the Lowy Institute
The Lowy Institute is Australia’s leading international policy think tank. It is independent, non-partisan and at the centre of Australia’s foreign policy and national security debates. Located in Sydney, the Institute produces world-class research and provides distinctive perspectives on the trends shaping Australia and the world, aiming to give Australia a greater voice on the international stage.
The Lowy Institute hosts distinguished Australian and international speakers on foreign policy, defence, politics, aid, and development. With a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the Institute’s research and events attract significant global attention, and our experts produce commentary for the world’s leading news outlets.
About the role
The newly launched India program will conduct world-class research on India’s emerging role in the Indo-Pacific and the world. The program will deepen understanding of India’s foreign and security policy priorities with a focus on evolving trends in its economic statecraft, defence industry partnerships, military modernisation, technology governance,development assistance footprint.
Compiling, managing, and analysing data for the program, the Research Associate will contribute to the production of high-impact research and public-facing outputs, and support substantial topical analysis related to India and the Indo-Pacific region.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to join a high-impact team within a collaborative and multidisciplinary culture, and to contribute to exciting new research.
Key responsibilities
Working under the guidance of the India Chair, the Research Associate will:
- Compile, verify, and analyse data to identify trends in Indian strategic policy
- Support the production of key findings reports, topical research, and other public-facing outputs
- Contribute to policy analysis and commentary on current and emerging developments
- Support the delivery of events, outreach activities, and stakeholder engagement
This position is based in Sydney. Travel for research, events, and stakeholder engagement may be required.
About you
The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in conducting substantive research on India's foreign policy, economic statecraft, and strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific, and will have strong data capabilities and a willingness to learn and develop their skills. Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong research capabilities across both quantitative and qualitative methods
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Ability and willingness to work with the evolving research agenda of the India Chair
- A strong interest in producing data visualisations to complement analysis
Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree or higher in international relations, international security, or a related discipline that supports the research focus of the India Chair. Experience working in a think tank, academia, public policy or having published research is desirable. Proficiency in Excel is an asset, as is familiarity with other data tools or programming languages.
We aim to build a strong and diverse research team with a broad mix of skills, perspectives, and analytical strengths. Women and candidates from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will join the organisation at a level commensurate with experience, and with salary and benefits set accordingly.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter to recruit@lowyinstitute.org by 17 July 2026.
For additional information regarding the role please contact Lowy Institute recruitment via the email above.
