Recruitment and Selection Process

Stage 1 – Application
NAVIGATE applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Australian citizen
- Obtain and maintain the required security clearance
- Have a PhD in science and technology or related field with over 5 years' experience being highly desirable
- Applications are reviewed by at least two selection panel chairs to determine suitability for NAVIGATE
Stage 2 – Shortlisting
Suitable applicants for the NAVIGATE Program who meet the required criteria will progress to the shortlisting stage of the application process. At this stage, each applicant will be assessed by two assessors who will provide individual scores against the specific criteria provided below:
- Communications Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Motivational Drivers.
Shortlisting for NAVIGATE 2025 is expected to be completed in May 2025.
Stage 3 – Assessment Day
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a half-day Assessment Day comprising of:
- Selection Panel Interview
- Stakeholder Presentation
- Group Activity
Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria by the Selection Panel:
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Technical Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making
Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria by the Stakeholder Presentation Panel:
- Innovation
- Communication
- Ability to Achieve Results
- Thought Leadership
Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria by the Group Activity Panel:
- Communication
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Collaboration
- Leadership
Selection panels conduct an initial assessment rating of each applicant as suitable or unsuitable.
Assessment Centres for NAVIGATE 2025 is expected to occur between 18 and 27 June 2025 in Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Stage 4 - Referee Reports
All applicants are required to provide the contact information of two referees. It is preferable to include a current supervisor where possible or appropriate. Referee reports are used to gauge an applicant's ability and attitude in the workplace.
Applicants who are deemed suitable will have their referee's contacted.
Referees are encouraged to share the referee report with the applicant.
Stage 5 – Final Selection
With consideration to the aims of NAVIGATE, a pool of suitable applicants is identified for offers of employment through the program. The NAVIGATE Team will contact the successful applicants via telephone with an offer of employment which is subsequently formalised.
All unsuccessful applicants will be notified and provided with the opportunity to seek feedback.
Applicants can be expected to be informed of the outcome by end August 2025.
Further questions
If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please email Anivtngr.erpehvgzrag@qrsrapr.tbi.nh