- $124,393 - $140,315 + up to 15.4% Superannuation
- Edinburgh - SA

The Role
Under broad direction the Senior Researcher (SBSI) will apply social, behavioural and psychological science research and analysis to underpin the development of next generation influence concepts, capabilities and measures.

You will:

- Examine how influence operates at the macro, meso and micro levels and across the conflict spectrum, drawing on foundational research and analysis on influence concepts and theories.
- Conduct research which considers the integration of influence activities and effects within the realms of Cognitive and Information Warfare and Asymmetry.
- Have a demonstrated capacity to manage stakeholder relationships to ensure the alignment between research endeavours and Defence/Client/Program requirements.
- Have the capacity to deliver high-quality scientific communications including briefs, publications and presentations.

About our Team
SBSI is an operationally-focused social, behavioural and political science capability within the Human & Decision Sciences Division. We apply a variety of advanced techniques to the study of influence at the macro, meso and micro levels in order to help plan and assess joint influence activities, build resilience to coercive forms of statecraft, develop nuanced engagement strategies, and in the process, develop new integrated information warfare and influence concepts and capabilities.

Our multidisciplinary influence science applies qualitative and quantitative approaches to better understand influence in its variety of forms. As a social science capability, we ask questions, challenge assumptions, rail against stereotypes, and in doing so, offer alternative ways of knowing, doing and being.





We do this out of necessity – the problem space we play in is messy – it’s a space where concrete measures often don’t exist – where actions and their consequences are hidden and nested within a series of complex interactions and social forces out of our control – and to complicate matters further, occurring over different time periods.

Our capability offers support to clients and stakeholders alike by providing evidence based guidance on where and how to identify influence, better direct or target their efforts to counter influence and disinformation, and provide options for moving forward.

Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is enthusiastic, optimistic and outgoing. You will have superb communication skills and ability to build strong trust-based relationships with a large range of partners and stakeholders. You will also have strong leadership skills and these will underpin your capacity to build and lead multidisciplinary project teams under limited guidance.

You will be a team player and have a record of working collaboratively as part of high-performing teams within complex situations characterised by continually evolving requirements. You will be adaptable and resourceful and work across boundaries to support your colleagues to achieve collective success. You will be a life-long learner, open to current ideas and opportunities.

You will have a background in psychological, behavioural and social science and will be open to ongoing learning and development, both formally and informally. In particular, you will be adept at bringing together multiple perspectives in order to collectively solve some of the most significant challenges that Defence and the nation are facing in the information environment.

Information Pack Opens in new window

📌 EL 1 (S&T Level 5) - Senior Social Researcher (Edinburgh)
🏢 Australian Department Of Defence
📍 Edinburgh