Defence Security Adviser

• Lead defence security / shape the University's DISP governance / collaborate with researchers, government and defence partners
• Join us to safeguard sensitive defence research, strengthen DISP compliance and enable secure, high-impact national security partnerships.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity:

You will lead the University's Defence Industry Security Program responsibilities, strengthening security for defence and sensitive research.
You will advise researchers and leaders, manage clearances and incidents, and drive continuous improvement in research security.
For those passionate about national security and research integrity, you will shape safe and impactful collaborations.

What you will deliver:

• Lead governance and compliance processes that meet DISP obligations and strengthen security for defence and sensitive research.
• Provide authoritative advice, training and briefings to researchers and leaders on defence security responsibilities and best practice.
• Manage DISP documentation, reporting, security clearances and incident records to ensure institutional assurance and audit readiness.
• Conduct risk assessments, support audits and recommend pragmatic controls that improve the University's defence security posture.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, government and defence partners to enable secure external engagement and collaboration.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience with understanding of research or defence environments.
• Possess sound knowledge of security, risk, governance and compliance frameworks, and communicate obligations in practical terms.
• Demonstrate high integrity, strong judgement and experience assessing risk and recommending pragmatic security controls.
• Build productive relationships across academia, HR, cyber and physical security, government and defence to achieve shared security outcomes.
• Develop and improve governance processes, documentation and audit-ready controls supporting assurance and compliance.
• Manage sensitive information, clearances, incidents and competing priorities with strong organisation skills and attention to detail.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team:

Melbourne Research & Enterprise (MRE) supports researchers to secure funding, build partnerships and translate discoveries into real-world impact. Within MRE, the Office for Research Ethics and Integrity provide specialist guidance on ethics, integrity, governance and research security across the University. You will join a collaborative, values-driven team that works closely with Melbourne National Security & Defence, cyber and physical security experts, and government partners to protect sensitive research and enable trusted collaborations. The team values initiative, constructive feedback and continuous improvement, and offers rich exposure to complex, high-profile projects.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au.

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Mel Green at mel.green@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Alessandro Storani at Alessandro.storani@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that's shaping the future.

Applications close: Monday 12 October 2026 - 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.