Careers
Further Information
Graduate and Post-graduate Recruitment
Join the cutting edge team at DSTO. We need bright, motivated people who have completed (or are about to complete) undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications.
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- You will enjoy challenging projects
At DSTO you will enjoy challenging projects, a supportive team environment, family-friendly work conditions, generous super and long term career support through continuing education and professional development.
When selecting for its graduate and post-graduate intake, DSTO looks for motivated people who have (or are currently working toward) undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications with strong academic achievement, proven research skills or relevant experience and well developed communication skills in disciplines related to DSTO's broad areas of work.
Recent graduates, students in the final year of a degree, and post-graduate students, are encouraged to apply.
Broad Areas of Work
Human, Social and Health Sciences: Bio-technology, Operations/Simulation, Food Science, Behavioural and Social Science, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Physiology & Biomechanics.
Physical Sciences: Physics, Chemistry (including energetic materials), Electronic Warfare, Materials Science, Optoelectronics, Radar Technology, Sonar Technology, Instrumentation & Control, Evaluation & Experimentation & Acoustics.
Engineering & Technology: Aeronautical/Aerospace, Aircraft Structures, Electrical/Electronic, Flight Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical, Microwave, Robotics, Weapons Systems/Eng, Systems Eng and Integration, Naval Architecture & Materials Engineering.
Information, Computing & Communications: Artificial Intelligence & Agents, Information Technology, Communications, Computing/Mathematical, Computing/Programming, Signal Processing, Software Engineering & Telecommunications.
Mathematics: Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Numerical Simulation/Modelling & Analysis.
In addition to the above broad areas of work, DSTO engages in Operations Research (OR). Operations Researchers utilise skills from variety of disciplines (including physical, social and management sciences) to support decision making and capability development within Defence.
To find out more about the kinds of work you could be undertaking in DSTO, refer to the fact sheets found under Attachments on the right hand side of this page.
Applications
Applications for the 2012/2013 DSTO Graduate and Post Graduate Opportunities are now closed. It is anticipated the applications for the 2013/2014 intake will open in January 2013.
Key Dates
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1 April 2012 |
Applications close at 11:59pm (ACST) |
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2 -24 April 2012 |
Written application assessment |
|
26 April - 11 May 2012 |
Short listing and interview coordination |
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14 May - 5 June 2012 |
Interview period |
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6 - 22 June 2012 |
Reporting |
|
25 June - 31 July 2012 |
Offer period |
Recruitment and Selection Process
Online Application
Applicants apply online. The online application provides the opportunity for graduates to showcase their skills, experience, and personal attributes. Applicants are required to respond to selection criteria in relation to:
- Academic ability
- Science, technology and problem solving skills
- Communication, team and interpersonal skills
- Motivation and cultural fit
- Flexibility and adaptability
For more detailed information regarding DSTOs Graduate Recruitment Selection Criteria, see the attachment to the right.
Applicants are also required to attach their academic transcript and resume (.doc, .docx, .rtf, or .txt only).
Initial Screening and Assessment
After the closing date, all applications are screened to ensure citizenship requirements are met and an initial assessment is conducted on the selection criteria responses and academic ability. Applications which pass the initial screen and assessment are made available to the selection panels.
Shortlisting
Selection panels filter the applications to display only those applicants who have selected the relevant BAOW and location that that matches the available position(s). These applications are then further analysed for specific skills/ technical ability, relevant experience, and team fit. Those which strongly align with the requirements of the available positions(s) are invited to participate in an interview.
Interviews
Interviews are generally scheduled over a four-week period (to accommodate interviewee/selection panel availability). Interviews can take place either in-person, via telephone, or by video-teleconference. Candidates may be required to travel interstate to attend an interview. The format of the interviews are tailored to assess the requirements of role and may include, but not limited to: behavioural/ scientific/ technical questions; a case study, presentation, and familiarisation exercise. Please note, some candidates may be of interest for more than one position. As such, there may be a requirement to attend multiple interviews.
Referee Checks
Following the interviews, referees will be contacted for only those candidates who have been deemed suitable and placed on a merit list.
Reporting
Once the interviews are complete and referee reports received, a selection report outlining the selection process undertaken and selection recommendations is prepared for approval. Only after the selection report is signed and approved can offers be made.
Offers
First-round offers are made simultaneously to all the candidates who are ranked first on their respective merit lists. If applicable, subsequent-round offers are made progressively to those candidates who are ranked lower on merit lists- for example, if first-ranked applicants decline their offer.
Notification and Feedback
Unsuccessful applicants are notified of the outcome of their applications once the recruitment process is finalised (after all offers are accepted/ declined). Unsuccessful applicants can request feedback on their application once notified of the out come by emailing graduate.recruitment@dsto.defence.gov.au
Salary
Positions may be offered at the following Science & Technology - S&T (Australian Public Service – APS) classification levels:
- S&T Level 3-4 Below (APS 4-5) $57,929-$68,092, and
- S&T Level 3-4 Above (APS 6) $69,642- $ 79,555.
The classification level may be dependent on the level of qualifications attained, knowledge, skills and experience of the successful applicant.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be Australian citizens or eligible and willing to apply for citizenship. Further information is available from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Employment Conditions
The terms and conditions of employment are defined in the Defence Collective Agreement 2009. These can be discussed in detail during the latter stages of the recruitment process. In addition to these attractive terms and conditions, there are many benefits of working at DSTO.Applicants who are successful in gaining a position through DSTO’s Graduate and Post Graduate Recruitment Campaign will also have the opportunity to participate in a tailored induction program.
Other Employment Opportunities
Graduates and post-graduates who are currently looking for positions may also find opportunities under DSTO’s list of current vacancies.
For further information or questions about DSTO’s Graduate and Post Graduate Recruitment Program contact Miguel at: Graduate.Recruitment@dsto.defence.gov.au