Science Policy Fellowship Program - APS Level 6 (Sep 2024)

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. 

• We do this by:
• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able tocreate positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australiaand our people.
If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC's APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the program

The Australian Science Policy Fellowship Program is an initiative of the Office of the Chief Scientist that gives scientists the opportunity to work in a policy role in an Australian Government department for up to 12 months. The program seeks to strengthen the science-policy interface by bringing science and technology expertise into public policy processes and bringing experience of government processes and policymaking into academia.

Up to 20 Fellowships may be offered each year based on a competitive selection process.

Previous Fellows have worked in diverse policy fields such as the Critical Technologies Hub in the Department of Industry Science and Resources; Medical Devices and Product Quality in the Department of Health and Ageing; Research Programs and Policy in the Department of Education; and Plant Systems & Strategies in the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries.

The program offers a range of benefits to participants:

• Fellows receive on-the-job training in and exposure to a range of policy development and delivery activities in the APS.
• Fellows have access to professional development and mentoring provided by their host department and are supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
• Fellows will become part of an alumni network at the end of the program.
• Fellows are employed as APS 6 policy officers by participating Australian Government host departments for up to 12 months. Conditions of employment and remuneration will be in accordance with the relevant host department’s enterprise agreement

There may be opportunities to be based in locations across Australia. As part of your application you will have the opportunity to nominate whether or not you would be willing to relocate to Canberra for your placement.

As a pathway program into the APS participation in the program means each Fellow will become equipped to seek permanent employment in the APS. If that is their goal Fellows are encouraged to pursue these opportunities over the course of the program.

A merit list at the APS 6 level will be established through the initial selection process and can be used by host departments to permanently appoint the Fellow subject to certain conditions.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have significant scientific expertise and an interest in gaining policy development and delivery experience. We are looking for people who:

• are adaptable
• are able to generate ideas
• can solve problems
• have strong conceptual analytical and research skills
• have clear oral and written communication skills
• have strong team work skills
• have the ability to achieve results in a demanding environment.

What you will do

Over the course of the program Fellows will be embedded within a department and given exposure to policymaking and policy delivery processes. Roles vary depending on theplacements available within host departments. Some Fellows may complete two 6-monthrotations during their Fellowship year.

Fellows are not selected for their subject-matter expertise but rather for their transferrable skills that can be applied to policy development and delivery. Fellows may be placed in areas relevant to their expertise where available; however others will work in areas unrelated to their academic background.

Host departments are expected to support Fellows in their professional development including through formal training opportunities and mentoring.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Science Policy Fellowship Program you must:

• be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or over at the time of application

Hold a PhD in one of the following science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM)disciplines:

• agricultural veterinary and food sciences
• biological sciences
• biomedical and clinical sciences
• chemical sciences
• earth sciences
• engineering
• environmental sciences
• health sciences
• information and computing sciences
• mathematical sciences
• psychology
• physical sciences
• be no more than 15 years post PhD completion (adjusted for career interruptions e.g. due tofamily responsibilities as a primary care giver

Degrees from overseas universities must be recognised by an Overseas Qualification Unit. More information on overseas qualifications recognition is available at: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/services-and-resources/pages/qualifications-recognition.aspx

Security Clearance

Fellowship positions require a minimum baseline security clearance. Some positions will require higher clearance levels. The successful applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at the required level. This is not necessary at time of application.
To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Notes 

The application process will run over a number of months. It can take three to four months from the time applications open to successful candidates being notified.

Candidates that are successful in first round interviews will be invited to attend a second interview with their potential host department manager and a representative of the selection panel.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.
The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is ACT - Industry House based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

• In your application you will be asked questions targeted to the role and your responses should align with the word limits per response:
• Candidate statement (500 word limit): Why are you interested in a career in policy and what makes you a good fit for the role?
• Areas of interest (200 word limit): Outline the policy areas or issues that you are particularly interested in addressing during the Fellowship.
• Role as a policy officer (200 word limit): Describe how you imagine you might apply your skillset and expertise to policy development and delivery.
• Career goals (200 word limit): State your goals following the Fellowship and into the future and how you envision the Fellowship will help you achieve those goals.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.