Senior Scientist (Data)

MetService; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MetService is seeking a Senior Scientist – Data to lead research and deliver practical ML solutions for weather, climate and ocean data challenges. You’ll drive end-to-end projects from concept to deployment, balancing scientific rigor with operational needs, and mentor colleagues across science, digital and operations.

You’ll translate complex findings into usable services, advise on technical decisions, and contribute to interdepartmental proposals and capability building, all while advancing

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience in machine learning, data science or statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to research and innovation in machine learning and data science.
• Design and deliver complex projects from concept to deployment.
• Translate scientific insights into usable solutions for cross-disciplinary teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring without direct reports.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Statistical analysis

Python

Technical leadership

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

AWS

Azure

GCP

SQL/NoSQL

Job description

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Turn advanced data science into practical scientific solutions. As our Senior Scientist – Data, you’ll lead and contribute to research and innovation in machine learning and data science, tackling complex challenges and strengthening MetService’s capabilities and services.

The role is approximately 20% applied research, 60% solution development and deployment, and 20% technical leadership and mentoring.

You’ll design and deliver complex projects, develop new methodologies and explore emerging technologies. Working across science, operational, digital and commercial teams, you’ll translate scientific insights into usable solutions, advise on significant technical decisions and help shape research-funding proposals.

Technical leadership and knowledge-sharing are central to this role. Through peer review, mentoring and coaching, you’ll support colleagues to develop their expertise and champion scientific excellence. This is a technical leadership position with no direct reports.

He Kōrero Mōu – About You

You’re an experienced data science or machine learning specialist who enjoys connecting research with practical applications. You bring a relevant bachelor’s or postgraduate degree and at least 10 years’ experience in machine learning, data science or statistical analysis, alongside:

• Extensive practical knowledge of machine learning, deep learning and statistical techniques.
• Experience deploying and maintaining machine learning models in operational or near-real-time systems, and working with large datasets.
• Excellent scientific computing skills, including proficiency in Python.
• A proven record of technical project leadership and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities through to successful outcomes.
• Strong scientific and technical writing in English, with the ability to make complex ideas clear to different audiences and provide training and support at postgraduate level.

Experience with modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or scikit-learn would be advantageous. We’d also welcome experience with cloud-based MLOps in AWS, Azure or GCP; solution architecture that balances performance, cost and business needs; SQL or NoSQL databases; legacy models and systems; or generative AI. Experience with large-scale geophysical datasets and an interest in weather forecasting, atmospheric or oceanic science would be valuable. A collaborative, kind and patient approach, together with curiosity about emerging ML and AI technologies, will help you thrive.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina I a koe - Why you should join our team

Bring your scientific curiosity to work with practical purpose. This role offers the opportunity to explore emerging technologies while developing solutions that support MetService’s strategic objectives and services.

You’ll connect with expertise across disciplines, contribute to significant scientific and technical decisions, and build capability in others through mentoring and knowledge-sharing. It’s an opportunity to combine advanced research, hands‑on delivery and technical leadership.