Director of Research

• The Lowy Institute is seeking an experienced and ambitious Director of Research to lead and oversee the Lowy Institute's research and analytical output.
• The Director of Research will lead the Institute's dynamic and diverse research team and guide the Institute's globally recognised research and analysis.
• The role is a senior-executive level position and reports to the Executive Director.
• This is an exciting and rare opportunity to lead and shape research and policy output at Australia's leading international policy think tank.

THE LOWY INSTITUTE

The Lowy Institute is Australia's leading international policy think tank. It is independent, nonpartisan and at the centre of Australia's foreign policy and national security debates. Located in Sydney, the Institute provides high-quality, high-impact, evidence-driven research and distinctive perspectives on international trends. The Institute's research is globally recognised for its analysis on the United States, China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands region, as well as its thematic expertise in economic, security, climate change and development issues.

The Lowy Institute hosts distinguished Australian and international speakers on foreign policy, defence, politics, aid and development. With a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the Institute's research, events and conferences attract significant global attention, and our experts produce commentary for the world's leading news outlets.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Research will lead the development and delivery of the Lowy Institute's research agenda in line with the Institute's guiding principles:

• Informing Australia's debate about the world;
• Contributing to Australia's foreign policy decision-making; and

The Director of Research will lead the Institute's research team and guide the Institute's globally recognised analysis on China, Southeast Asia, the United States and the Pacific Islands region. They will drive new ideas and build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, stakeholders and media to maximise the reach and impact of our research. They will also oversee the Lowy Institute's digitally innovative data projects, such as the Asia Power Index, the Lowy Institute Poll, and Southeast Asia and Pacific Aid Maps.

The Director of Research is a key member of the senior leadership team. They will work closely with the Executive Director and executive team to shape organisational strategy and represent the Lowy Institute at public forums, conferences and in the media.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead and shape research and policy output at Australia's leading international policy think tank.

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and knowledge of Australian foreign policy, regional and global politics, and demonstrate the ability to produce original research, insights and policy ideas.

They will have strong links across government, business and academia and an international expert profile.

Prior and relevant think tank, government or business experience is highly desirable. They will have strong leadership skills and experience in managing a diverse team. Candidates should be dynamic and self-starting individuals with excellent analytical and communications skills and confident presentation. They will also exhibit good judgment and a pragmatic approach in their analysis and decision-making. They should be clear and expressive writers, with strong interpersonal skills, exceptional organisational skills and experience in media commentary. A PhD or equivalent is desirable but not essential.

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion or further information regarding the role, please contact Malcolm Duncan on or

Please submit your CV and cover letter to by 13 August 2025.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelExecutive

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionResearch
• IndustriesThink Tanks

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