Our Federal Government client is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to lead the design, development and deployment of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions within a large-scale government environment. This role (at EL1 level) will help drive the delivery of innovative data science initiatives, leveraging data to support operational outcomes and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will lead end-to-end data science activities, provide technical leadership across AI initiatives and work closely with stakeholders to deliver practical, scalable and responsible AI solutions. For submission, candidates must possess existing Baseline clearance.

Role Title: Lead Data Scientist

Start Date: December 2026

Contract Role Till: 12 Month Initial Contract

Pay Rate: Competitive Market Rates

Location: Open to candidates in Canberra (2601), Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Hobart. Candidates are required to work onsite for the first 6 weeks, after which flexible hybrid arrangements may be considered.

Security Clearance: Australian Citizens only can be considered, due to needing to be able to obtain and maintain Baseline Security Clearance.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development and implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.
• Drive the delivery of advanced analytics initiatives that support operational outcomes and strategic decision-making.
• Lead data acquisition, integration, transformation and feature engineering activities across complex datasets.
• Design and oversee experimentation, proof-of-concept activities and model validation processes.
• Develop and implement robust model evaluation frameworks, performance monitoring and operational metrics.
• Lead the deployment, integration and ongoing optimisation of AI, machine learning and analytical solutions.
• Define and apply statistical, predictive and machine learning techniques to solve complex business challenges.
• Develop solutions leveraging emerging AI technologies, including generative AI, large language models and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
• Partner with stakeholders to identify business needs and translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights.
• Drive the implementation of Responsible AI practices, including model governance, fairness, explainability and risk controls.
• Provide technical leadership, quality assurance and mentoring to data science team members.
• Lead documentation, knowledge sharing and capability uplift initiatives across the broader organisation.

Experience & Skills Required:

• Extensive experience delivering advanced data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions within large and complex environments.
• Strong expertise in statistical modelling, predictive analytics, machine learning and advanced analytical methodologies.
• Experience designing, evaluating and optimising generative AI solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering and RAG architectures.
• Demonstrated experience leading the full model lifecycle, from experimentation and development through to deployment and monitoring.
• Strong programming and analytical skills with experience developing custom scripts and data science solutions.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and implementing effective data acquisition, transformation and modelling techniques.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders and translate business requirements into practical analytical solutions.
• Strong understanding of Responsible AI principles, model assurance, governance and ethical AI practices.

If you feel this opportunity matches your skills and previous experience, please apply with your CV.

Candidates must possess existing Australian working rights (Australian Citizens and be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Clearance) and live in the Greater Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide or Hobart Areas.