Have you recently completed your studies (undergraduate or postgraduate) and want to develop your expertise in defence, foreign and national security policy, including in areas such as strategic competition, defence, deterrence, foreign interference, technology, and security? Do you want to inform the public and government on the critical strategic choices facing Australia and learn what it takes to be a professional analyst? If so, apply for the ASPI Research Internship Program! Please note that this is a paid internship program.

Interns make an important contribution to ASPI’s research. If successful, you would be employed from January/February- December 2025 to assist on research projects and conduct analysis with ASPI analysts in our Defence Strategy and Cyber, Technology and Security teams

Interns also support ASPI to deliver major international conferences, coordinate and support events with our Strategic Communications and Events (SC&E) team. SC&E delivers ASPI’s full range of events including panel events, roundtables, strategic dialogues, and workshops, and interns play a vital role in supporting these events. The internship will also include exposure to ASPI’s administrative and corporate functions, a vital component of the work of all organisations.

The ASPI internship program nurtures the next generation of strategic thinkers in Australia, is highly respected by government agencies and the private sector and provides a strong pathway to future employment opportunities. Interns will have the chance to make a practical contribution to strategic policy thinking and development and, in the process, will gain valuable ‘on the job’ training. An ASPI internship provides the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s leading experts on defence and national security, and results in professional development through engagement with our experienced staff and international visitors.

Information for Applicants

Eligibility

• You will need to demonstrate excellent academic results, strong research skills and be enthusiastic, motivated, and able to adapt to the work environment quickly.
• ASPI’s research internships are open to those who have completed their studies within the last two years.
• You must either be an Australian Citizen or be residing in Australia with full working rights.
• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree by the end of December 2024. You do not need to have completed postgraduate studies, although many of our previous interns have either completed, or have been in the process of completing, postgraduate degrees.
• ASPI strongly encourages applications from all disciplines. Previous interns have had degrees in International Relations, Science, Mathematics and Computing, Arts and Law, amongst other topics.
• The ability to speak a language other than English is highly regarded, with many ASPI staff speaking languages including Mandarin, Russian, Bahasa Indonesia and Hindi.
• ASPI promotes a workplace that includes, welcomes, and values the unique contributions of all people. The Institute strongly encourages women and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, to apply.

Selection process

• Your application will be assessed, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and interviewed.
• Due to the substantial number of applications received, ASPI will not contact all applicants or provide feedback.
• Shortlisted applicants will be required to prepare an original one-page piece of analysis as part of the selection process. Further details will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be on interviewed in October 2024. Virtual interviews are available for those who are unable to come to the ASPI office for a face-to-face interview.
• If you have not heard from ASPI by November 2024, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.
• Referees will be contacted after interviews, only for those applicants who might be offered an internship.

If you are successful

• You will be contacted and offered a paid position as a Research Intern and will need to sign an employment contract.
• You will be employed on a full-time basis in Canberra, commencing on Jan/Feb 2025. Your internship will conclude in December 2025.
• More than one intern position is available.
• The internship program is viewed as a development opportunity and, while employment at ASPI after the internship program concludes is not guaranteed, there may be opportunities at ASPI for further career development.
• Please note that ASPI does not offer any assistance to interns to travel or relocate to Canberra to commence work.
• You will become a permanent member of ASPI’s Intern Alumni Group, which includes an ongoing relationship with ASPI and networking opportunities with previous ASPI Interns.

Applications

Please submit the following with your application:

• Cover letter, maximum of two pages in length, outlining why you wish to be considered for the position and what qualities and expertise you can offer;
• Copy of your curriculum vitae;
• Contact details of at least two referees; and
• Copy of your academic transcript/s.

Note: ASPI’s research is open-source and, therefore, a security clearance is not required to apply for the ASPI Research Internship Program

Application Form

Applications are currently Closed.