AI Risk Specialist

AI Risk Specialist – AI Safety Institute Join to apply for the AI Risk Specialist – AI Safety Institute, APS Level 6, Technology & Digital Policy role at Department of Industry, Science and Resources . Canberra Sydney Darwin Brisbane Adelaide Hobart Melbourne Perth Applications close 18 January 2026 Salary range: $98,716 to $107,053 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, and strengthening the resources sector. About the AI Safety Institute The Australian Government is establishing an Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI) to support the Government’s ongoing response to emerging risks and harms associated with AI technologies. The AISI will be the government’s hub of AI safety expertise, operating with transparency, responsiveness and technical rigour. It will conduct technical assessments, support coordinated government action, foster international engagement on AI safety, and publish research to inform industry, academia and the Australian people. About the Division The AISI is part of the department’s Technology and Digital Policy Division. The division is responsible for providing policy advice to government, delivering programmes and engaging domestically and internationally on enabling and critical technologies as well as the digitisation of the economy. Its priorities include implementing the National AI Plan, providing advice on the safe and responsible use of AI, robotics and automation, the role of critical technologies to support economic security, data policy and emerging digital economy issues. The Opportunity We’re building a motivated and capable team who will be defining the AISI’s future. As a founding member of the team, you will help shape how Australia monitors, tests and governs AI. You will assess risks from frontier models, including CBRN misuse, enhanced cyber capabilities, loss‑of‑control scenarios, information integrity and influence risks, and broader systemic risks arising from the deployment of increasingly capable general‑purpose AI systems. This is a unique opportunity to work at the frontier of AI, collaborate with domestic and international experts to shape emerging global AI safety standards and help keep Australians safe from AI‑related risks and harms. You’ll have the opportunity to drive positive change, contribute to impactful projects, and develop your expertise in a rapidly evolving field. Our Ideal Candidate Experience or a demonstrated interest in AI safety, security or governance, gained through industry, academia, government or independent research. Knowledge of technical AI governance matters, including, for example, general‑purpose AI risk assessment methodologies, scenario‑based risk modelling, governance and control protocols, system‑level safeguards and risk mitigation strategies. The ability to summarise technical AI safety research and translate it into clear, evidence‑based advice for decision‑makers. A broad understanding of LLMs and the technical drivers that shape their behaviour, safety properties and risk profiles. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non‑technical audiences. The ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, academia and civil society. The ability to manage competing tasks and contribute to complex, time‑sensitive work in a fast‑paced environment. What You Will Do Support the development of written and verbal advice on AI safety governance matters, including the application of general‑purpose AI risk assessment methodologies and mitigation strategies. Assist in translating technical AI safety research and empirical evaluation results into actionable insights for policymakers and regulators. Monitor frontier AI developments, capabilities, emerging risks and trends. Collaborate with domestic and international partners across governments, industry, civil society and academia to strengthen AI safety governance practices. Contribute to Australia’s engagement in international AI safety governance collaborations. Take ownership in building the culture and reputation of the AISI. Eligibility Positions require the ability to obtain a minimum baseline security clearance, and the ability to obtain higher security clearance as required. To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens. Notes Please provide a CV of up to 2 pages (or up to 4 pages if including a list of publications). Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in a relevant field of study is highly desirable. 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. The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is based Australia‑wide, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further. Application Information Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information. Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above. Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact or if you require assistance with your application. Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply. Contact Information For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Bill Black on or via email on #J-18808-Ljbffr