Research assistant

Remuneration packages commencing $52,000 negotiable

The Australian Institute of Criminology is the Australian Government's independent national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The Institute:

• manages national monitoring programs on homicide, drug use amongst offenders, deaths in custody, armed robbery, firearm theft, juveniles in detention, human trafficking, anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing, and fraud against the Commonwealth
• currently conducts research projects relating to a wide array of topics including domestic violence, illicit drugs, transnational crime, cybercrime, fraud, bushfire arson, and Indigenous victims and offenders
• produces timely and policy relevant research reports and papers, statistical information and fact sheets that seek to assist and improve crime reduction and prevention strategies and criminal justice practice.

The Institute offers challenging and rewarding work for its staff in a highly professional and collaborative environment. Its researchers have diverse qualifications and experience and are able to undertake work both in their specialist and non-specialist fields.

Research assistants work on a wide range of research projects, including assisting with the design, conduct and analysis of research projects, preparation of literature reviews. Research assistants collaborate on and assist with the preparation of high quality publications from the research projects, and as appropriate, represent the AIC at key events.

Duty statement

1. Assist with the design and conduct of research projects.
2. Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
3. Draft research reports and a variety of Institute publications.
4. Conduct literature searches, compile reviews and develop preliminary option papers.
5. Liaise with stakeholders.
6. Assist with the running of the AIC conferences and roundtables.
7. Provide research support and a range of tasks consistent with the operations of a small organisation.

Selection criteria

Note: selection criteria should be limited to three pages.

1. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to accurately interpret quantitative and qualitative data and results.
2. Demonstrated initiative in developing and conducting research projects.
3. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, maintain thorough files and records, and an attention to detail.
4. Ability to write quality literature reviews, research reports and publications and explain report findings to a variety of audiences clearly and appropriately.
5. Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, preferably completed, with honours.

Closing date for applications

Applications close at 5pm Friday 15 August 2008.

Shortlist date

Short listing will take place second half of August and applicants who have been selected for an interview will be notified by phone shortly thereafter.

Interviews

Interviews will be held at the Institute's premises, 74 Leichhardt Street, Griffith ACT 2603 in the September 2008.

Unsuccessful applications

Applicants will be notified by mail that their application was unsuccessful.

Further information

Further information about the Institute and its work can be obtained through the Institute's website http://www.aic.gov.au/ where the Service charter, Corporate plan and Annual report are also available.

For further information regarding this position, please phone Diana Nelson on (02) 6260 9239

Applications addressing selection criteria and providing contact details of three referees should be emailed to: position.vacant@aic.gov.au by close of business 15 August 2008.