General Manager, AI Safety Institute

The Australian Government announced the establishment of the Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI) on 24 November 2025.

The AISI will, as part of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, evaluate emerging Artificial Intelligence safety and risk capabilities, share information and support the Government to consider timely actions to address AI risks and harms.

As the General Manager, AI Safety Institute, you will:

• be accountable for the delivery of the AISI’s outcomes
• contribute to the implementation of the Government’s National AI Plan to position Australia as one of the global leaders in developing and adopting AI technologies
• play an integral role in delivering outcomes and priorities for the department, with a broad focus on technology and digital issues and a specific focus on AI safety and governance issues
• provide leadership to a highly motivated multi-disciplinary branch, which will include technical AI safety experts, along with teams focused on policy, coordination and engagement
• You will advise and support the Government on the full range of portfolio issues – bringing your expertise to bear across policy, technical and organisational issues
• working with other parts of government, including the National AI Centre, to inform businesses, national, state, territory and local government agencies and the public on AI risks and safety issues

We are looking for an individual with strong technical experience in the field of AI, a confident and practical leader with proven ability to balance policy, technical and external pressures to lead the successful establishment and operations of Australia’s AISI.

We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in industry, startups, or academia and who have a deep familiarity with technical (frontier) AI and safety research and its implications for policy and governance. 

Location: Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.

How to apply:
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact email {kwhittaker@derwentsearch.com.au} or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 33824

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date. Applications close: 11:59pm on Sunday, 1 February 2026