• Carlton VIC
• Research (public policy)
• Ongoing, full time
• Salary range $100,000 - $140,000 (inc. super)

Looking to solve some of Australia’s most pressing policy issues? Join a think tank that is making a difference.

Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrated interest in Australian public policy.
• Clear written/oral communication skills.
• Strong quantitative research skills and demonstrated experience in Excel and/or R.
• Weighted average mark of at least a distinction for your bachelor’s degree.
• Two to five years of work experience in the public sector, industry, academia, and/or consulting.

About Grattan Institute

Grattan Institute is Australia’s leading public policy think tank. We do research and advocacy to improve the lives of all Australians.

Based in Melbourne, with an eminent Board of Directors, and dynamic CEO and leadership team, we are looking for a talented researcher with a passion for public policy to join our team.

Grattan’s unique culture provides an opportunity to add significant value from your first project. You will be working with a small, driven, and supportive team to deliver high-quality policy research.

What this role will offer you

This is an ideal career step for a passionate and motivated individual looking to influence public policy in a meaningful organisation.

This role offers the opportunity to conduct rigorous and data-driven research and to make the case for policy change. Our work is independent, so your focus will be on policy changes in the public interest rather than any private or vested interest.

You will be joining a great group of people who are intellectually curious, love their work, and are passionate about what they do.

The successful candidate will begin work within one of our six program teams: Housing and Economic Security, Economic Prosperity and Democracy, Education, Energy and Climate Change, Health, or Disability. Associates are expected to rotate through different teams over time, developing their policy expertise in a range of policy areas.

This is a permanent, ongoing position. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant to fill the role. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to secure the right person for this role. In addition, we offer employee benefits including salary packaging, a book club, bike storage, and a well-stocked kitchen.

Diversity and equal employment opportunity

Grattan Institute is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of talented researchers in the Australian community. We encourage applicants from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people living with disability.

How to apply

Please apply directly through Ethical Jobs using the “Apply Now” prompts. To be considered for the role, candidates are required to submit all components mentioned below.

What to include

• Cover Letter: outlining the reason for your interest in the role, your earliest start date (month is fine), your professional work experience, and setting out the following:
  • Confirmation of successful completion of at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study (social sciences, sciences, statistics, law, finance, or economics);
  • The weighted average mark achieved for your bachelor’s degree, showing at least a distinction average (note, shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide transcripts); and
  • Details of any higher degrees completed (Honours, Masters, or PhD).
• Resume: relevant and recent employment history, qualifications, and a minimum of 2 referees.
• A maximum 500-word opinion piece for The Conversation on the following topic:

Where has Australia got the balance right between universal and targeted services and subsidies, and where have we got the balance wrong? How could the balance be improved?

Feel free to answer the question broadly, or more narrowly within a specific area, such as Health, Disability, Income Support, Family Payments etc.

Note on use of AI:

Grattan’s value-add comes from the originality and rigour of our work and our distinctive voice. We use AI as a research tool, but we expect our staff to take pride in producing original work, and to take full responsibility for the accuracy and tone of content. Please include a statement at the end of your opinion piece noting whether you used AI to develop and write it and if so, how.

Please submit documents in PDF format and do not include your name on the opinion piece.

Recruitment Process

• Sunday 14 December 2025 – applications close
• Week commencing 5 January 2026 – Candidates will be advised if they have been selected for first round interview
• Week commencing 12 January 2026 – First round interviews will be conducted via Teams
• Week commencing 19 January 2026 – Second round interviews will be conducted, ideally in person at our Carlton office.

Further Details

Please carefully read the advertisement. The “ideal candidate” and “What to include” outline the qualifications, skills and experience required for this role. We also have an FAQs section on our careers page which might be helpful for common queries: https://grattan.edu.au/careers/.

If you have a query that isn’t addressed in this advertisement or on the careers page, you can email the HR Team at [email protected] using the subject line: Associate enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please allow at least 2 days for a response.