The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Research Assistant—Science, Technology, Environment and Resources, within the Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library.
The Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library provides information, analysis and advice to the Parliament. Within the Branch, the Science, Technology, Environment and Resources (STER) section covers topics such as Australia’s natural environment (including water and forests), energy and electricity, emissions, geology and resources, technology, transport, biosecurity and medical advances.
The Section’s work is diverse and challenging, and involves providing information or tailored briefings directly to parliamentarians and their staff, often within tight deadlines. The work may also involve writing or contributing to publications.
We are looking for someone with a science background and good information research skills, and who is a clear and accurate writer, possesses a strong client service ethic, is well-informed, quick to find information and quick to learn. Communication skills—both oral and written—must be of a high order, as must your professionalism, judgement and common sense. An ability to work smoothly with others in a small team is essential.
You must possess relevant tertiary qualifications in a science discipline (or engineering), be able to write well, and be able and willing to explore topics outside your area of specialisation or interest. Ideally you should have broad general knowledge in science and areas relevant to the Section, as well as some interest in current affairs, politics and/or legislation.
You will be helping the work of Senior Researchers, as well as working independently, sometimes under limited supervision.
Eligibility and/or Job Specific Requirements
Tertiary qualifications in at least one relevant scientific discipline are essential. Relevant disciplines would be areas such as environmental science, energy and resources, geology, water and land issues, climatology and atmospheric science, physics, chemistry and materials science, agriculture, forestry, biosciences, marine science, or qualifications with substantial components in one or more of these areas. Other scientific subjects or engineering may be acceptable, depending on post-qualification experience.
Also important is the ability and willingness to develop knowledge in new areas, and to harness knowledge to the requirements of our clients.
The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
DPS welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Please upload a one page response describing how your skills, knowledge and experience make you the best person for this job, based on the duties, qualities, and selection criteria outlined below.
Your application is a chance to tell us why you are the right person for the job. We want to know why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role, what you can offer us, and how your skills,
knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role.
If proof of qualifications, licences or certificates are required as part of the application process, please incoporate these documents into your resume or within your applicant response before you submit your application
Applications must be submitted by 11:30pm AEST, Wednesday 22 April 2020.
Currently, the salary range for this position is $70,010 – $83,246
