EL1 Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Senior Lead

Australian Institute of Health & Welfare; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Generous superannuation and leave

Challenging and fulfilling work

Professional development

Job summary

Australian Institute of Health & Welfare is seeking an EL1 Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Senior Lead in Sydney to drive end-to-end ML/AI initiatives. You will lead the lifecycle from design and model development through deployment, monitoring, and evaluation, while guiding cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver impactful health and welfare insights.

The role requires hands-on Python programming, delivery of production-grade AI/ML solutions, and a focus on safe and

Qualifications

• Experience across the ML/AI lifecycle from design to deployment.
• Strong hands-on Python programming and modern frameworks.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for senior leadership.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on complex data sets.
• Commitment to safe and responsible AI adoption and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ML/AI project lifecycle: engagement, design, development, testing, deployment, monitoring and evaluation.
• Oversee design, development, deployment and improvement of ML/AI solutions and data automation pipelines.
• Collaborate with data domain experts to leverage complex datasets for impact.
• Research and integrate emerging ML/AI technologies and best practices.
• Develop user guides, codebases and supporting documentation.
• Contribute to ML/AI roadmap, governance and responsible adoption plans.
• Provide specialist AI/ML advice to CAIO and AIAO to support governance and adoption.

Skills

ML

Deep Learning

NLP

LLMs

Python

Job description

EL1 Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Senior Lead

Australian Institute of Health & Welfare – Sydney NSW

The AIHW’s APS employee census results reflect the strength of our positive and supportive workplace culture. We continue to foster an inclusive, flexible and high‑performing organisation where people are treated with respect and courtesy, and where diversity is recognised, valued, and celebrated.

The results are a testament to the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of our staff, highlighting the strong connection they have to our purpose, our flexible ways of working, and the contribution we make to improving the health and welfare of Australians. We are also proud to be ranked among the top ten APS agencies, out of 112, for employee engagement, enabling innovation and wellbeing, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where people can thrive and perform at their best.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• access to flexible working arrangements to support your work/life balance
• attractive remuneration packages including generous superannuation and leave provisions
• challenging and fulfilling work where you can use your skills and expertise
• opportunities for professional development.

We are committed to creating genuine opportunities for everyone and we welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse people and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The AIHW has offices in Canberra and Sydney and offers remote work opportunities for many roles.

For more information, visit the Benefits of working for the AIHW page of our website.

The AIHW’s APS employee census results reflect the strength of our positive and supportive workplace culture. We continue to foster an inclusive, flexible and high‑performing organisation where people are treated with respect and courtesy, and where diversity is recognised, valued, and celebrated.

The results are a testament to the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of our staff, highlighting the strong connection they have to our purpose, our flexible ways of working, and the contribution we make to improving the health and welfare of Australians. We are also proud to be ranked among the top ten APS agencies, out of 112, for employee engagement, enabling innovation and wellbeing, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where people can thrive and perform at their best.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• access to flexible working arrangements to support your work/life balance
• attractive remuneration packages including generous superannuation and leave provisions
• challenging and fulfilling work where you can use your skills and expertise
• opportunities for professional development.

We are committed to creating genuine opportunities for everyone and we welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse people and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The AIHW has offices in Canberra and Sydney and offers remote work opportunities for many roles.

For more information, visit the Benefits of working for the AIHW page of our website.

The key duties of the position include:

The Data Governance and Integration Group (DGIG) is responsible for delivering high-quality data governance and integration services that support national health and welfare reporting, research, and policy development. The Group also supports the Institute to employ advanced analytical techniques and tools, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The Specialist Capabilities Unit (SCU) is responsible for providing centralised support and developing the organisations skill in critical capabilities, including use of the analyst’s toolkit, machine learning, artificial intelligence, geospatial, statistical, and methodological analysis.

The Specialist Capabilities Unit seeks a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Senior Lead with a strong technical foundation in machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), and broad artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This individual should demonstrate expertise across the full lifecycle of ML/AI initiatives, from solution design and model development through to deployment, monitoring, and evaluation. They should also possess strong hands‑on Python programming skills, including experience with modern application development frameworks, required data processes as pipeline, and production‑grade AI/ML solutions.

We are looking for a team‑oriented professional who can work independently in evolving environments and collaborate effectively with domain experts on complex data sets, ensuring outcomes that serve both people and business goals. Strong communication skills are essential, as this role involves translating technical concepts into actionable insights for senior leadership, as well as fostering support for ML/AI initiatives across diverse audiences.

Under general direction you will:

• Lead the end‑to‑end ML/AI project lifecycle, including business engagement, solution design, model development, testing, deployment, monitoring, and performance evaluation, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, reliable, safe, and fit for purpose.
• Lead the design, development, deployment, and continuous improvement of ML/AI including data automation solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes, leveraging techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, large foundational models, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and data domain experts to develop solutions using complex datasets.
• Conduct research on emerging ML/AI technologies and integrate best practices to support continuous innovation.
• Develop user guides, codebases, support materials, and maintain relevant documentations.
• Contribute to implement ML/AI roadmap, safe and responsible adoption plans to enhance capabilities across the institute.
• Provide specialist AI/ML advice and support to the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) and AI Accountable Official (AIAO), contributing to governance, assurance, safe and responsible adoption, and effective use of AI technologies across the Institute.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, you must:

• be an Australian citizen
• undergo any required pre‑employment checks, including a police records check
• obtain and maintain a valid Security Clearance if required by the institute

A probationary period of six (6) months will apply to any new engagement to the APS.