Principal Data Scientist: Economic Policy & AI

Reserve Bank of Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Reserve Bank of Australia is seeking a Principal Data Scientist in Economic Research to lead research applying data science, AI and machine learning to central banking and economic policy questions, and to mentor staff. You will translate research into analytical tools and decision-support for policymakers, and build data science capability across the Bank.

The role sits at the intersection of economics, data science and public policy, shaping how AI is used in central banking and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research capability in data science, economics or a related quantitative field.
• Strong technical expertise in modern data science and AI methods, including machine learning, natural language processing, large language models, and associated tools and platforms.
• Experience applying quantitative methods to complex real-world problems in economics, finance, public policy, business, computational social science, or related fields.
• Experience producing high-quality research outputs, such as publications, working papers, technical reports, conference or workshop presentations, or other significant analytical contributions.
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines, bringing together expertise from economics, data science, and policy.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical and senior audiences.
• Familiarity with macroeconomics, financial markets, financial stability, monetary policy frameworks or related areas is highly regarded.
• A research‑focused postgraduate qualification (e.g. PhD or Master’s by Research), or equivalent research experience, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to innovative research applying data science, AI, machine learning and non-traditional data to central banking and economic policy questions.
• Collaborate with economists and policymakers to develop new approaches for analysing the economy, financial system and broader policy issues.
• Publish and communicate high-quality research both internally and externally.
• Translate research outcomes into analytical tools, models and capabilities that support decision making across the Bank.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to data scientists, researchers and analysts across the Bank.
• Help shape the Bank’s data science, AI and analytical capabilities, including platforms, methodologies and best practices.

Skills

Data science

AI methods

Machine learning

NLP

LLMs

Python

R

Education

PhD or Master’s by Research

Tools

Python

R

Job description

The Reserve Bank of Australia is seeking a Principal Data Scientist in Economic Research to lead research applying data science, AI and machine learning to central banking and economic policy questions, and to mentor staff. You will translate research into analytical tools and decision-support for policymakers, and build data science capability across the Bank.

The role sits at the intersection of economics, data science and public policy, shaping how AI is used in central banking and