ACIAR seeks to build our future capacity by engaging young Australian agricultural research scientists in a 12 month non-ongoing experiential Graduate Program.
The Program provides a unique work experience opportunity for Australian university graduates with an interest in international agricultural research and policy development.
The successful graduate will be mentored for the duration of the program by a number of Research Program Managers (RPM) from different research disciplines, providing an experience for the graduate to enable the development for possible roles within international agricultural research institutions in Australia and internationally.
Our research programs utilise collaborative partnerships to improve the profitability and sustainability of agricultural production systems through facilitation and funding of collaborative research between developing countries and Australia.
Graduates have responsibility for assisting RPMs with developing and supporting a portfolio of research for development projects commissioned by ACIAR. The projects involve research institutions in Australia, developing countries and international agricultural research centres carrying out agricultural research within ACIAR’s geographical mandate area. Graduates gain the opportunity to improve project management and coordination skills over the 12 month program.
ACIAR does not do research, so this is not a lab position. This is a hands-on program management development role with a range of interactions with key stakeholders, exposing our graduates to an office environment (based in Canberra) and opportunities to travel to developing countries to visit relevant project sites and teams. The role is initially for a 12 month non-ongoing period, with a possibility of a 12 month non-ongoing research officer role, the maximum employment period would be 2 years.
ACIAR offers this opportunity once a year to a maximum of two graduates only, vacancies are advertised in late September/November via the ACIAR website. We recommend you follow us via social media to keep updated of our latest programs and activities.
The ACIAR Graduate Work Experience Program is open to Australian citizens only, who:
- are studying or have recently completed a degree within the last 3 years in a field relevant to agricultural production, agribusiness, marketing, agricultural economics, environment or natural resource management or social sciences; and
- have an interest in international agricultural research and its broader development impact.
Graduate Research Officer applications for 2024 have now closed and late applications will not be accepted. To register your interest in receiving an update when our graduate program opens for 2025 applications, please click here and include your full name and best contact email address. Please be advised the register is refreshed annually.
People are our most important asset. We pride ourselves on our positive, supportive and inclusive workplace culture that nurtures talent and encourages employees to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability with an interest in the above areas of study to apply.
