IP Australia is seeking a highly motivated and qualified applicant, to be Senior Economist in the Office of the Chief Economist. This is a unique opportunity to join a high performing team conducting original and high-impact research on key topics including new technologies, entrepreneurship, competition, Indigenous policy, international competition and trade, with a focus on intellectual property, innovation and the drivers of economic change.
Prospective candidates must have a proven ability to conduct high quality research using large microdata, and to communicate analytical findings both in written and verbal forms, to influence specialist and general audiences (e.g., ministers, senior executives, business owners, academic and public service economists).
The successful candidate will assist in managing a team of experienced economists with a track record of producing high-impact research, will propose and independently conduct research, will develop research partnerships and oversee procurements, and will assist in producing analytical publications. The role offers the opportunity to engage with emerging issues central to the global economy and build impact within Australia and internationally.
The right person for this role will demonstrate:
* Management experience with a high-performing team, especially experience in people and/or delivering projects
* Ability to propose and undertake economic research that produces new research relevant to policy, preferably on topics related to technology, innovation, productivity, competition, Indigenous policy, international trade and/or intellectual property
* Excellent written and spoken communication skills, especially the ability to deliver research reports, briefs and presentations for specialist and non-expert audiences
* Experience in developing research partnerships or procurement, and enthusiasm to collaborate across government on policy relevant research.
Highly desirable:
* Tertiary qualifications in economics or a related discipline
* Experience in econometrics, advanced tools and methods (e.g., machine learning, AI tools), and sound knowledge of innovation economics and/or intellectual property.
Looking for more information?
For more information about this role, including the type of person we are looking for, please refer to the Position Profile available by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Applications close at 11:55pm AEDT on Tuesday 03 February 2026.