PRIMARY DETAIL

To provide high-quality expertise and advice in relation to security related legislation and its impacts on research collaborations and partnerships, ensuring compliance with relevant Australian laws and supporting the delivery of strategic research objectives.

Salary up to $155K + 17% superannuation and annual leave loading

Full-time, Continuing Appointment

Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Safeguard research discovery. Counter foreign interference. Defend Australia's research future.

Australia's research sector is on the frontline of an evolving national security landscape. Foreign interference threats are growing in sophistication, and universities, home to some of the nation's most sensitive and ground-breaking research, need expert advisers who can navigate this complexity with confidence and precision.

Macquarie University is seeking a Senior Adviser, National Security and Defence to lead Macquarie University's compliance with its Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accreditation. This includes providing training and security briefings, developing excellent relationships with our Defence researchers and a deep understanding of their research. The successful officer will ensure all DISP compliance activities are completed on time and to a high standard, be highly organised and identify and execute necessary tasks. The officer will develop excellent relationships with the Department of Defence and other relevant Government stakeholders, participate in Government policy and legislative enhancement processes and represent the University in DISP forums.

Experience working in a University in DISP, Defence, national security, international relations or a related field will be highly regarded.





The Senior Adviser will provide expert guidance on security-related legislation including defence export controls, sanctions, and countering foreign interference ensuring our research collaborations and partnerships are compliant, secure, and strategically aligned.

This is your opportunity to play a critical role in protecting one of Australia's most innovative universities from foreign interference risks while supporting world-class research. You'll work at the intersection of law, geopolitics, and academia, engaging with government stakeholders, leading policy development, and fostering a culture of security awareness across the University community.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, National Security and Defence, you will deliver high-quality, practical advice to internal stakeholders and lead initiatives that strengthen Macquarie University's resilience to national security risks.

- Leading compliance activities to ensure Macquarie University maintains its high standard of DISP accreditation.
- Providing expert advice on compliance with security-related legislation, including Defence Export Controls, Sanctions, Safeguarding Australia's Military Secrets, and the Foreign Arrangements Scheme.
- Undertaking comprehensive due diligence on proposed research projects, foreign collaborations, staff and student appointments, industry partners, and institutional agreements to ensure sound risk-managed decisions.




- Leading policy and process development projects to bolster legislative compliance and resilience to foreign interference.
- Developing and maintaining productive working relationships with key government stakeholders including the Departments of Home Affairs, Defence, and Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- Contributing to education and awareness-raising initiatives on countering foreign interference, supporting a security awareness culture across the University.
- Providing comprehensive security advice on international travel and foreign delegation visits.

About Us

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is responsible for the development and strategic enhancement of Macquarie University's research, research training, and innovation profile. Research Services manages research conducted at Macquarie University, and the National Security and Defence team plays a vital role in assisting the University and its staff to understand and comply with obligations under security-focused Australian legislation. The University is committed to ensuring research is conducted in a secure workplace, free from foreign interference, and in compliance with all relevant laws.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are a strategic thinker and trusted adviser with a strong command of Australia's national security and Defence legislative landscape. You bring a combination of University, legal, policy, compliance and national security expertise, paired with the ability to translate complex technical and legislative requirements into practical, workable solutions for diverse stakeholders.

You will have:

- Experience working in a University in DISP, Defence, national security, international relations or a related field will be highly regarded. Strong understanding

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📌 Senior Adviser, National Security and Defence (City of Sydney)
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📍 City of Sydney