Deputy Director and Chief Economist

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John Curtin Research Centre

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Melbourne, Australia

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The John Curtin Research Centre (JCRC) — Australia’s leading social democratic think tank — is seeking a Deputy Director and Chief Economist to lead its economic research, policy development and national thought-leadership agenda. Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful candidate will:


  • Shape major policy work in climate change, industrial strategy and labour markets.
  • Produce high-impact research, modelling and policy papers.
  • Represent the JCRC in media, public forums, and stakeholder briefings engagement.
  • Support organisational leadership, strategic planning and project development.
  • Help drive JCRC’s mission to build a fairer, stronger and more resilient Australia.


Essential requirements:


  • Degree in economics or related field (higher degree preferred).
  • Demonstrated analytical and policy experience.
  • Expertise in climate, industrial and housing policy and/or labour markets.
  • Excellent research, writing, communication and stakeholder skills.
  • Strong alignment with social democratic values.


To apply, please contact JCRC Executive Director Dr Nick Dyrenfurth: nickd@curtinrc.org


Applications close Friday 27 February 2026.


Company Description


The John Curtin Research Centre is a leading social-democratic think tank committed to developing bold, practical policy ideas that honour the legacy of Australia’s wartime Prime Minister, John Curtin. We work at the intersection of economics, public policy, governance and political strategy to shape a better and fairer Australia. Our agenda spans climate and energy transformation, housing, industrial policy and national capability, secure well-paid work, and an economy that delivers for working people wherever they live. The Deputy Director and Chief Economist will play a key leadership role in advancing this mission.


Role Description


Reporting to the Executive Director and Board, the Deputy Director/Chief Economist is responsible for:


  • Leading the Centre’s economic research, modelling and strategic policy development.
  • Providing expert insight across climate change, industrial strategy and labour markets.
  • Serving as a senior public voice for the Centre, including media commentary, written analysis and government, union and industry engagement.
  • Supporting organisational leadership, strategic planning, financial sustainability, events management and stakeholder management.

    • This role is integral to shaping the JCRC’s research agenda, strengthening its national impact and ensuring rigorous, empirically grounded policy aligned with social democratic traditions.


    Qualifications


    • A degree in economics, public policy, or a closely related field.
    • Demonstrated work experience in applied economic analysis, policy development, or equivalent high-level analytical roles. Previous experience in a think tank environment is advantageous.
    • Preferred: A higher degree (Masters or PhD) in economics, public policy, or related disciplines.
    • Expertise in at least two of the following public policy areas: climate change economics and policy and energy markets; industrial policy and manufacturing capability; housing markets; and labour market analysis, wages, skills and productivity.
    • A strong record of high-quality research, publications, modelling and policy writing.
    • Excellent communication skills, including media, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to distil complex ideas for non-expert audiences.
    • Leadership experience, with the ability to manage research teams and projects effectively
    • Broad experience working with government, academia, unions, industry bodies or policy institutions.