Foreign Policy & Defence Research Intern, United States Studies Centre

• Opportunity for a Research Intern who will provide support to the Centre’s Foreign Policy and Defence Program

• Working hours between 14-21 per week, for a fixed term 6-month contract

• Hourly rate $33.99 + 11% superannuation 

About the United States Studies Centre (USSC)

The United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney is a university-based research centre, dedicated to the rigorous analysis of American foreign policy, emerging technology, economics, politics and culture. The Centre is a national resource that builds Australia’s awareness of the dynamics shaping America, their implications for Australia — and critically — solutions for the alliance.

The USSC's mission is to make discoveries and draw insights with tangible value for Australian policymakers, businesses, scholars, students and the general public, generated by independent, non-partisan, rigorous research, delivered through communication, teaching and outreach.

About the opportunity

The Foreign Policy & Defence Research Intern will be immersed in all activities of the Centre’s Foreign Policy and Defence Program. Duties will include assisting with event planning, preparing documents for research activities, editing and fact-checking publications, database management, compiling and refining data for program reports, tracking developments in priority areas, drafting research notes and other tasks as directed.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide administrative and operational support to the Foreign Policy and Defence Program, including assisting in designing and hosting events, and database management

• offer research assistance to the Foreign Policy and Defence Program on an array of subjects related to Australian foreign and defence policy and US Indo-Pacific strategy

• provide editorial assistance to publications from the Foreign Policy and Defence Program, including copy-editing, fact-checking and referencing.

About you:

• in the process of completing, or recently completed, tertiary study at the Honours or Masters level in a relevant field, including international relations, global studies, political science, and/or American Studies

• interest in, knowledge of, or academic background in Indo-Pacific affairs and/or US and Australian foreign and defence policy

• strong verbal and written communication skills, including strong analytical skills

• excellent organisational skills with the demonstrated ability to prioritise and adapt to competing demands, whilst maintaining attention to detail

• proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, knowledge of broad issues pertinent to the Australia-US alliance and an understanding of the operating environment of a research organisation is desirable.

For a copy of the position description, please follow this link:  Research Intern- FPD Position Description.

The United States Studies Centre is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Australian Temporary Residents currently employed at the University of Sydney may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV and latest official or unofficial academic transcript) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

Applicants successful in reaching the interview stage will be asked to complete a short writing task.

Enquiries regarding the position should be made to the Program Director at [email protected]

Applications Close

Sunday 28 January 2024 11:59 PM