Research Assistant
Job Details
Job Title: Research Assistant
Employment Type: Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 4/5
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT,10 March 2025
Contact: Luke Buckmaster, 62778644, luke.buckmaster@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library, a statutory office within the Department of Parliamentary Services, is recruiting to fill a research assistant positions in its Research Support & Coordination (RSC) team.
Our research assistants undertake a range of tasks associated with the provision of high quality information, research and advisory services to parliamentary clients to assist them in their parliamentary and representational roles. They also provide research support support to senior researchers. The RSC team provides research and reference support to Parliamentary Library clients and researchers, and coordinates complex and/or multi-specialist responses to research requests.
Any merit pools created from this recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing or non-ongoing positions that may arise over the next 18 months.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a researcher who are well-informed, motivated, adaptable and able to provide excellent client service. The successful applicant will work in a team and be expected to display sound judgement and sensitivity while working in the parliamentary environment. They must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality in accordance with Library policies.
Our researchers should have:
- good communication, liaison, interpersonal and presentational skills
- excellent attention to detail
- demonstrated research, analytical, and writing abilities
- a strong client focus
- the ability to produce accurate work within agreed deadlines and manage competing priorities
- the ability to work across a range of subject areas, including with legislation
- the ability to work effectively as a member of a small team
- an understanding of the parliamentary environment.
Job Specific Requirements:
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 4/5
Branch: Research
Section: Research Coordination
Immediate supervisor: [Recruitment insert supervisor position title]
The Parliamentary Librarian is required by the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 to, among other things:
“… provide high quality information, analysis and advice to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in support of their parliamentary and representational roles.”
The Act requires the Parliamentary Librarian to perform this function:
• in a timely, impartial and confidential manner; and
• maintaining the highest standards of scholarship and integrity; and
• on the basis of equality of access for all Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, parliamentary committees and staff acting on behalf of Senators, Members or parliamentary committees; and
• having regard to the independence of Parliament from the Executive Government of the Commonwealth.
Against this background, Research Assistants undertake duties in accordance with the agreed work level standards for Parliamentary Services Level (PSL) 4/5. Positions at this level work under general direction within clear guidelines and established work practices and priorities, and require the application of knowledge, skills and techniques appropriate to the work area.
The work may cover a range of tasks associated with the provision of quality information, research and advisory services to parliamentary clients and the provision of support to senior officers. This may include, but is not limited to:
1. Undertaking less complex research tasks (including by the identification, retrieval, analysis and synthesis of information from multiple sources) for the benefit of parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders;
2. Undertaking less complex writing, advisory, information management and dissemination tasks, including the preparation of advice and information products for parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders and contributing to publications and papers;
3. Assisting Researchers (PSL6), Senior Researchers (PEL1) or the Director in the above tasks, when required;
4. Developing and maintaining professional networks, and knowledge and understanding of information sources and developments; and
5. Contributing to building and maintaining section resources and to corporate activities, including by providing administrative and technical support to the senior officers in the section and branch.
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.
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.
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:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
Salary
Currently, the salary range for this position is $80,672 - $95,924 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.