Research Officer

Classification: ANU Officer 5/6 (Research)
Salary package: $87,570 – $102,887 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full-time, Fixed Term (up to 31 December 2026)

• Work with the academic and professional staff in a friendly, collaborative School 
• Work in a beautiful campus environment on the city’s doorstep

About the opportunity

We are seeking a proactive Research Officer to support interdisciplinary projects across College of Systems and Society, including research led by the Director, School of Cybernetics. You will contribute to:

• One Basin Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) projects at the School of Cybernetics:
  • Future Governance in Water‑Limited Communities
  • Understanding Future Leadership Needs
• A Grand Challenges project in collaboration with Fenner School of Environment and Society: Mapping a New Path—strengthening social and emotional wellbeing through community‑led research and knowledge sharing.
• School of Cybernetics project/tender development and impact reporting

You will work under general direction and collaborate closely with academic and professional staff to deliver rigorous research and clear, timely outputs. You will assist in literature reviews and the preparation of manuscripts and presentations, contribute to workshop development, website management. Occasional field work for data collection and outreach activities may be required.

About the person

You are organised, proactive and able to work well both independently and with others. You bring a relevant degree or experience in research, along with strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills. You have experience conducting literature reviews, preparing reports and papers, and using Microsoft Office suite to support research work. You are skilled at analytical precision, managing databases, coordinating project activities and communicating with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Experience with statistical or bibliographic software will be viewed positively.

About the College

As one of the great universities of the world, ANU is driven by a culture of excellence in everything we do. Our lived experience is increasingly one of large-scale systems of people, whose actions and interactions are influenced by our digital, physical and biological environment. The ANU College of Systems and Society (CSS) hosts many of the key disciplines necessary to help us design, build, regulate and secure the future.

CSS brings together expertise in social, technical, computational, ecological and scientific systems to build a new approach to systems design and build new national capabilities in data-driven policy and business development. The work we do in the College is to strengthen our national mission and meet our unique responsibilities as Australia’s national university. We will deliver on our mission by building a strong community, providing transformative educational experiences, conducting high-impact research, seeking meaningful engagement, and becoming a resilient organisation.

We welcome and openly acknowledge differences in expertise, research / education / professional focus, experience and perspective.

CSS is a vibrant and diverse community of more than three thousand students, staff, and visitors. Our College is comprised of the School of Computing, School of Cybernetics, School of Engineering, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Mathematical Sciences Institute, and the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, supported by the Professional Services Group.

The School of Cybernetics is the first new school established at the ANU in the 21st Century. The School will build on the foundational work of the Autonomy, Agency and Assurance Innovation Institute (3Ai), and also develop capacity in systems and design.  Cybernetics is at the heart of the work of the school as a tool that sparks new ways of thinking and possibilities for the future. We focus on systems as a unit of analysis and driver of action for industries working with complexity and we are generating new approaches to shape the future through and with technology. The school creates programs that blend education, research and engagement, giving staff the opportunity to create new ways of working, to imagine something different, built on a diverse, inclusive culture.

Enquiries

To enquire about this role, please contact Sharon Lopez, Operational Excellence Lead via phone 02 6125 2790.

Our commitment to diversity, belonging, inclusion and equity

ANU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and particularly welcomes applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au.Furthermore, it is practice in the ANU College of Systems and Society to actively seek a gender mix of shortlisted candidates for interview. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion   

We welcome and develop diversity of backgrounds, experiences and ideas and encourage applications from individuals who may have had non-traditional career paths, who may have taken a career break, had career disruptions or who have achieved excellence in careers outside of the higher education sector. We support applicants who require flexible arrangements in their work environments or patterns. If your experience looks a little different to what we’ve described, but you’re passionate and motivated by this position, we welcome your enquiry and application. 

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

What we offer

The ANU provides attractive benefits and excellent support to maintain a healthy work/life balance and offers generous remuneration benefits, including four weeks paid vacation per year, assistance with relocation expenses and 17% employer contribution to superannuation. We also offer generous parental leave, the possibility of flexible and part time working arrangements, a parental and aged care support program, dual career hire programs, staff and family tuition fee discounts, ANU school holiday programs, and childcare facilities on campus. For more information, visit: https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources  

How to apply

Applicants must apply online via the ANU recruitment portal and should upload the following separate documents: 

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form. 
• A 2-page statement addressing the selection criteria. 
• Other documents, if required. 

Please note: The successful candidate must have rights to live and work in this country and will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process.  An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.