Lead Data Scientist (EL1 equivalent)

Lead Data Scientist

Australian Citizen + Baseline Security Clearance REQUIRED

Before anything else:
👉 You must be an Australian Citizen and hold (or be eligible for) Baseline Security Clearance.
👉 Onshore only. No overseas work arrangements.

Why this role exists

This is for senior data scientists who want to stay hands-on, work on meaningful, high-impact problems, and influence real decisions - without managing large teams or getting buried in bureaucracy.

You’ll work with large-scale administrative data, apply advanced modelling, and turn complex questions into clear, defensible insights that matter.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading advanced data analysis and modelling in secure environments

• Writing clean, modular, well-documented Python/R code

• Working with modern data platforms (including Databricks)

• Translating ambiguous questions into structured analytical approaches

• Communicating insights clearly to technical and non-technical audiences

• Mentoring peers and lifting overall data capability - without direct reports

What we’re looking for

• Senior, hands-on Lead Data Scientist experience

• Strong Python or R skills (PySpark highly regarded)

• Solid SQL and data engineering capability

• Advanced statistical, economic or quantitative modelling experience

• Comfort working in secure, governed data environments

• Clear communicator who enjoys collaboration and influence

Post-graduate qualifications in a relevant discipline are essential.

Locations considered

You can be based in any of the following Australian locations:

Canberra ACT
Sydney NSW
Newcastle NSW
Orange NSW
Melbourne VIC
Bendigo VIC
Adelaide SA
Darwin NT
Perth WA
Hobart TAS
Brisbane QLD

Hybrid working is supported, with some on-site presence expected.

The kind of person who thrives here

You enjoy solving hard problems, care about code quality, and like seeing your work inform real-world decisions. You don’t need a big title or team - just interesting challenges and smart people around you.

Contract details

• 12-month contract - EL1 equivalent rates

• Strong likelihood of extension

• Senior, outcome-focused engagement

Interested?

If this sounds like your kind of work - and you meet the citizenship and clearance requirements - send through your CV for a confidential discussion.