Lead Data Scientist

Talenza; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Talenza is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist for a Federal Government client. The role is EL1 level, leading the design, development and deployment of AI/ML solutions within a large-scale government environment. Start December 2026; 12-month initial contract.

Onsite for the first 6 weeks, with flexible hybrid arrangements thereafter. You will lead end-to-end data science activities, drive governance of AI initiatives, and work with stakeholders to deliver practical, scalable insights.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering advanced data science, AI and ML solutions in large environments.
• Strong expertise in statistical modelling and predictive analytics.
• Experience designing and evaluating generative AI solutions including LLMs and RAG architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and deployment of AI/ML solutions.
• Drive advanced analytics initiatives to support operations and decisions.
• Oversee data acquisition, transformation and feature engineering across complex datasets.
• Design experimentation, proofs-of-concept and model validation processes.
• Develop robust model evaluation frameworks, monitoring and metrics.
• Lead deployment, integration and ongoing optimisation of AI solutions.
• Apply statistical and ML techniques to business challenges.
• Advise on responsible AI practices including governance and risk controls.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the data science team.

Skills

Data science

AI/ML

Model lifecycle

Leadership

Python

SQL

Stakeholder engagement

Responsible AI

LLMs/RAG

Tools

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

Job description

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.

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.