Senior Adviser, National Security and Defence

• 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 groundbreaking 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. Your key responsibilities will include:

• 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 environment, 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 of and experience in DISP compliance in a University context will be highly regarded.
• Bachelor or postgraduate degree and a minimum of 5 years' experience in law, international relations, national security, critical technologies, or related fields (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Strong familiarity with the Commonwealth's legislative framework on defence export controls, safeguarding Australia's military secrets, DISP requirements, sanctions, foreign arrangements and countering foreign interference.
• Excellent understanding of the geopolitical context and foreign interference threats (particularly in the tertiary sector).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail and the ability to draft guidelines, policies, training materials, and external correspondence.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive analyses of complex legislation, exercise sound judgement, and employ effective problem-solving techniques in specific cases.
• Competence in developing and implementing risk management and compliance frameworks and communicating these to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in leading consultation processes and implementing new initiatives across a complex organisation.

Other Specific Requirements:

• Australian Citizenship is mandatory.
• A current Australian Government Security Vetting Agency Security Clearance at the appropriate level, or eligibility to obtain one.
• Criminal history check required.
• Occasional domestic travel is required; overseas travel opportunities may arise.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Sunday 23 August 2026

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Jack Williams, Manager National Security and Defence via ••••@mq.edu.au or Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition via ••••@mq.edu.au.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment and background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Log into Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage our personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub.