David joined NSC in 2022 as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Policy Research and Engagement team, having previously held multiple roles in the Australian Department of Defence, principally in military strategy, strategic policy, and export control. Amongst his regular contributions to NSC's research outputs, he is a producer and host of NSC's National Security Podcast.

His research interests include Australian defence and foreign policy, the strategies of small and middle powers, and instruments of security cooperation (alliances, security pacts, multilateral institutions, international organisations etc.) including ANZUS, the Quad, AUKUS, and Five Eyes. He has been published widely on these topics, including by the Canberra Times, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Lowy Institute, Australian Institute of International Affairs, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and in the Australian Naval Review, along with frequent media engagements with Australian and international outlets.

He is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations at La Trobe University, which examines the factors that contribute to the evolution, stagnation, or collapse of multilateral security organisations; notably the Central Treaty Organisation, Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation, Anglo-Malaysian Defence Agreement, and Five Power Defence Arrangements.

He holds a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) with Honours from the Australian National University, a Master of Arts (Ancient History) from Macquarie University, and a Bachelor of Social Science (Politics & International Relations) with Honours from the University of New South Wales.