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.