Researchers

Job Details

Job Title: Researchers

Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, Wednesday 8 April 2026

Contact: Hunter Laidlaw and Joanne Simon, 6277 2521 and 6277 2486, Hunter.Laidlaw@aph.gov.au and Joanne.Simon@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library is recruiting for Parliamentary Service Level 6 (PSL6) Researchers. We are seeking skilled researchers to join our team and to create a merit pool for ongoing and non-ongoing opportunities that may arise over the next 18 months. Our researchers provide impartial, high-quality information, analysis, and advice to Senators and Members of Parliament to support their parliamentary and representational roles.

The work is diverse and challenging. Researchers deliver timely information and tailored briefings directly to Senators, Members and their staff – often within tight deadlines. They also contribute to published work, including analysis of policy, legislation and budget documents.

The Library’s research teams cover all major portfolio and policy areas. While researchers typically bring specialist expertise, they are also expected to work flexibly across a range of topics relevant to the Parliament.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking researchers with sound judgement and the flexibility to work across a wide range of topics relevant to the Parliament. You will need strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to write clearly and succinctly – communicating complex issues in an accurate, accessible and non-technical manner.

You must be able to rapidly locate and deliver accurate and relevant information in an impartial manner for parliamentary clients. A strong client service ethic is essential, along with motivation, initiative and the ability to learn quickly. High-level communication skills – both written and oral – are critical, as are professionalism and sound judgement.

In this role, you will work independently under limited supervision, as well as collaboratively with Senior Researchers or Research Assistants.

Some of the major topics of interest include:

• Digital technologies and artificial intelligence
• Economic and financial policy, including budgets, trade and superannuation
• Environment, climate change, natural resources and science policy
• Foreign affairs, defence, policing and security
• Law and legislative analysis
• Political science, parliament and public sector administration
• Social sciences and policy, including health, welfare and education
• Statistics, data visualisation and data analysis across all policy areas, including economics, housing, and election results.

Job Specific Requirements: 

• Researchers must possess relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience, and a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of a relevant policy or portfolio area.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6 

Branch: Research 

Section: Economic Policy 

Immediate supervisor: Senior Researcher 

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the specified classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Providing high quality, professional research on complex issues (including the retrieval, analysis and synthesis of information from diverse sources) for parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders
   
   
2. Providing high quality analysis and advice to clients in relation to the subject areas covered by the section, while maintaining excellent client service
   
   
3. Writing, co-writing and/or reviewing publications and information resources on a range of matters to inform parliamentary clients and other stakeholders, and that maintain the Library’s high standards of scholarship and integrity
   
   
4. Developing and maintaining effective and collaborative working relationships across the organisation, with other organisations, and with clients and stakeholders
   
   
5. Contributing to team and organisational activities, and providing assistance and support to senior staff in the section and the branch as required.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to perform complex research and analysis
   
   

• Conducts high-quality research and analysis, and provides advice on complex issues
• Uses diverse information and database services
• Works quickly while maintaining accuracy
  
  

2. Cultivates productive working relationships
   
   

• Develops internal and external relationships to support work objectives
• Facilitates cooperation and works collaboratively
• Values individual differences and diversity
• Works constructively to resolve conflict
  
  

3. Personal and professional qualities
   
   

• Works under limited supervision and manages competing priorities
• Possesses a strong client service ethic
• Demonstrates probity and accountability, initiative, resilience and good judgement
• Prepared to develop new areas of expertise, and is committed to professional development
  
  

4. Communication skills
   
   

• High-level writing skills, and the ability to write research and analysis products in various formats and styles
• Able to communicate clearly and appropriately, including listening, understanding and adapting to the audience
• Negotiates persuasively
• Tailors responses according to client requirements
  
  

5. Understanding of the parliamentary and political environment
   
   

• Knowledge of the context, role and operations of Parliament
• Understands the role and function of key parliamentary bodies and processes
• Ability to deal sensitively, impartially and objectively with controversial issues
  
  

6. Eligibility and/or job specific requirements
   
   

• Applicants should have knowledge, understanding, and tertiary and/or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline.
• Reflecting the Parliament’s legislative roles, dual qualifications in a subject discipline and law are highly regarded.
• Also important is the ability and willingness to develop knowledge in new areas, and to harness knowledge to the requirements of our clients.
  
  

How to apply

Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
• a competitive remuneration package
• free on-site parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available a APH
• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.

Salary

Currently, the salary range for this position is $101,168 - $113,706 per annum.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.