Build a career at the intersection of research, national security and government.

Universities are at the forefront of Australia's research security landscape. Every international partnership, defence-adjacent project and overseas collaboration brings obligations under a fast-moving set of Commonwealth laws and guidance – and someone needs to make sure the detail is right.

As Macquarie University’s National Security and Defence (NS&D) Officer you will be a significant contributor to the University’s compliance with this interesting and evolving landscape. You will help Macquarie University meet its obligations under the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, contribute to national security due diligence, assist with Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) compliance activities, and keep our committees, records and guidance materials running smoothly. It is a role where accuracy, discretion and follow-through genuinely matter.

This is an outstanding entry point into an interesting and specialised field. You will work alongside the Due Diligence Coordinator, Senior Adviser and Manager in a small expert team within Research Services with regular exposure to Commonwealth agencies including Defence, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs and Trade. If you are organised, curious about geopolitics, come with compliance expertise and want work with real national consequence this job is for you.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, National Security and Defence, you will provide substantive and administrative assistance across the team's compliance, governance and advisory functions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking tasks to support the University's compliance with the Foreign Arrangements Scheme under the guidance of the Due Diligence Coordinator and Manager – including advising University staff and auditing reports so that all legislatively covered written agreements are reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Assisting team members with national security due diligence, DISP compliance activities, University committees and the implementation of Government legislation and guidance
• Coordinating the administrative rollout of e-learning modules and logistics for the team's training and briefing sessions
• Providing secretariat assistance for internal and external meetings, including invites, room bookings, materials, filing, note and minute taking, action tracking and follow-up communication
• Responding to staff enquiries on NS&D processes and procedures and directing them to relevant NS&D SharePoint and Government resources
• Maintaining the team's record keeping and reporting documents, updating intranet guidance material and monitoring and circulating Government updates
• Assisting with research and information-gathering tasks including locating reference materials, summarising background information and compiling documents under direction
• Working effectively with the Research Services Office Manager on agreed administrative functions and building productive working relationships across the NS&D team and its stakeholders

About Us

The National Security and Defence team assists the University and its staff to understand and meet their obligations under security-focused Australian legislation and government guidance. Its remit spans defence export controls, safeguarding Australia's military secrets, sanctions, the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme, DISP requirements and countering foreign interference. The aim is a secure research environment free from foreign interference where research is conducted and shared in line with all relevant laws and guidance.

About You

You are methodical, discreet and reliable with an eye for detail and a knack for keeping multiple pieces of work on track. You are comfortable reading legislation and guidance material and translating it into plain, practical advice for colleagues and carrying out legislative compliance activities. Prior national security experience is desirable but not expected – interest in the field, sound judgement and a willingness to learn will be looked upon favourably.

Selection Criteria

• A relevant qualification and/or equivalent experience
• Ability to interpret legislative requirements and guidance, exercise sound judgement and provide accurate and practical advice under broad direction
• Experience coordinating meetings, including agendas, materials, minute taking and drafting meeting summaries, diary management and correspondence, along with experience providing substantive and administrative assistance to a team
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive). SharePoint Intranet and website publishing experience would be desirable  
• Proven track record in maintaining confidentiality, resolving problems and working independently with quality and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines, prioritise and take ownership of tasks, and work effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Desirable: experience in the higher education, government or legal sectors; experience assisting with e-learning or team-delivered training; and an understanding of National Security and Defence compliance and the geopolitical context

Essential requirements for this role: Australian citizenship; a current Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance at the level appropriate to the University's DISP accreditation, or eligibility to obtain one; a criminal history check; and adherence to international travel and information management procedures as per the University's DISP accreditation.

How to Apply

To be considered please apply online with your CV (maximum three pages) and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience meets the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Wednesday 18th of November 2026, 11:59pm (AEST).

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 j.williams@mq.edu.au.  

Macquarie University is flexible as to days in the office and work from home arrangements. Such arrangements will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

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 today.

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 or 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: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

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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.