Principal Data Scientist: Economic Policy & AI Research

RBA; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Reserve Bank of Australia is seeking a Principal Data Scientist in Economic Research to drive data science and AI research for central banking and policy questions. You will collaborate with economists and policymakers to translate research into analytical tools and decision support, while providing technical leadership and mentorship across the Data Science Hub.

The role sits at the intersection of economics, data science and public policy, with opportunities to shape analytics platforms,

Qualifications

• Experience as a data scientist, economist or computational researcher.
• Strong background in data science techniques, AI and ML.
• Experience applying quantitative methods to policy or economics.
• High-quality research outputs (papers, reports, presentations).
• Ability to work across economics, data science and policy.
• Excellent communication to non-technical and senior audiences.
• Experience leading research initiatives and mentoring.
• Familiarity with macroeconomics, financial markets, or monetary policy is preferred.
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to innovative research applying data science, AI, ML to central banking and policy.
• Collaborate with economists and policymakers to analyze economy and financial system.
• Publish and communicate high-quality research internally and externally.
• Translate research outcomes into analytical tools and models.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring across the Bank.
• Shape the Bank’s data science capabilities and bet practices.

Skills

Data science

Economics

Machine learning

Natural language processing

Large language models

Policy collaboration

Communication

Mentoring

Research leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD or Master by Research

Tools

Python

Statistical software

AI platforms

Job description

Reserve Bank of Australia is seeking a Principal Data Scientist in Economic Research to drive data science and AI research for central banking and policy questions. You will collaborate with economists and policymakers to translate research into analytical tools and decision support, while providing technical leadership and mentorship across the Data Science Hub.

The role sits at the intersection of economics, data science and public policy, with opportunities to shape analytics platforms,