General Manager, AI Safety Institute

Locations: Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide. Applications close 1 February 2026. About The Department The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by: growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions investing in science and technology strengthening the resources sector. Globally competitive industries are important contributors to Australia’s economic growth and productivity. Jobs and prosperity can be secured through competitive businesses and industries and opening new markets for Australian resources. The department works closely with industry, businesses, the science community, and other stakeholders to help build a globally confident and outward looking Australian economy through supporting science and commercialisation; growing business investment and improving business capability; and simplifying doing business. For more information about the department please refer to our website . Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS. The Australian AI Safety Institute The Australian Government announced the establishment of the Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI) on 24 November 2025. The AISI will, as part of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, evaluate emerging Artificial Intelligence safety and risk capabilities, share information and support the Government to consider timely actions to address AI risks and harms. The AISI is not a regulator, and it is not a statutory body. This is not a statutory position. The opportunity As The General Manager, AI Safety Institute, You Will be accountable for the establishment of the AISI and the delivery of the AISI’s outcomes contribute to the implementation of the Government’s National AI Plan to position Australia as one of the global leaders in developing and adopting AI technologies play an integral role in delivering outcomes and priorities for the department, with a broad focus on technology and digital issues and a specific focus on AI safety and governance issues provide leadership to a highly motivated multi-disciplinary branch, which will include technical AI safety experts, along with teams focused on policy, coordination and engagement work with other parts of Government, including the National AI Centre, to inform businesses, national, state, territory and local government agencies and the public on AI risks and safety issues develop strong and robust working relationships with domestic and overseas AI developers and technical leaders to maintain a forward-looking perspective on AI capability development share and generate insights to support ministers, departments and regulators maintain safety measures, laws and regulatory frameworks and keep pace with rapid technological change advise and support the Government on the full range of portfolio issues – bringing your expertise to bear across policy, technical and organisational issues. Our ideal candidate We are looking for an individual with strong experience in the field of AI, a confident and practical leader with proven ability to balance policy, technical and external pressures to lead the successful establishment and operations of Australia’s AISI. We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in industry, startups, or academia and who have a deep familiarity with technical (frontier) AI and safety research and its implications for policy and governance. We Are Seeking a Candidate With knowledge and experience in the technical elements of, and requirements to support, the science of AI safety, including the testing of frontier AI models and research into AI model capability and development an understanding of the Australian Government’s regulatory systems and structures and the capacity to engage with the National Intelligence Community familiarity with international developments concerning AI safety, including relevant international frameworks, standards and the activities of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes and its members, or be able to develop this capability the capacity to leverage networks and existing structures and processes to inform and support action to deal with AI risks and harms tertiary qualifications in disciplines relevant to the science of AI safety and/or the practical management of AI risks and harms, including but not limited to computer science/informatics, data science, mathematics, physical sciences, cyber security, behavioural sciences, economics, law, public policy, regulation and other relevant disciplines the ability to engage with relevant professionals and technical experts in diverse contexts, including researchers, engineers, ministers, public servants, regulators and national intelligence and national security professionals Eligibility To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens. You must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum of an NV1 Security Clearance. Notes A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette. Application information To apply, please go to to find the position advertised. Your Application Must Contain your CV including the contact details of 2 referees; and a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best candidate for the position. Your pitch should contain no more than 1000 words, consider the APS SES Band 1 capabilities and align to the job description above. Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application response and CV. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Contact Information For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Katharine Whittaker at Derwent on . #J-18808-Ljbffr