About Us
Canberra Consulting focuses on delivering highly skilled and qualified professionals to our clients. We have the experience and capability to understand your specific requirements and match them to the right environment, ensuring professional satisfaction and development. We focus on fit — for both our clients and our candidates — and give you every opportunity to thrive.
The Opportunity
We are seeking two (2) Lead Data Scientists to support a Commonwealth research function delivering high-impact analysis across productivity and regional workforce assessment priorities. You will report to the relevant Director and work in a multidisciplinary team of economists, policy officers and analysts to deliver rigorous, decision-ready insights using large administrative datasets.
This is a 12-month engagement (37.5 hours per week), commencing 11 February 2026 (approx.), with an extension option of up to 12 months. Candidates can indicate interest in either stream (Productivity or Regional Workforce Assessment).
Key Responsibilities
* Interrogate and analyse large administrative datasets using R/Python to support a research program.
* Undertake sophisticated quantitative analysis, including labour market/economic research and modelling.
* Produce high-quality analytical inputs, briefs, and report components to tight timeframes.
* Communicate insights clearly and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
* Build capability through coaching and constructive feedback within the team.
* Manage milestones and priorities across concurrent pieces of work.
Essential Criteria (simplified)
* Postgraduate qualifications in economics, econometrics, or data science (or equivalent).
* Strong coding capability in R and/or Python, with experience using Australian Government administrative datasets (including PLIDA).
* Demonstrated experience with advanced modelling (e.g., multilevel frameworks, Bayesian inference) and modern tooling (e.g., GitHub, Azure Databricks/Datalake, Posit) plus the ability to explain results to non-technical stakeholders.
Security Clearance
You must be an Australian Citizen and hold a minimum Baseline clearance.
Does this sound like a perfect role for you? Interested in hearing more? Contact our Recruitment Director, Alister on, email at to arrange a confidential discussion.