Lead Data Scientist

We are seeking highly skilled and experienced individuals to fill Lead Data Scientist roles within the ASIS Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Section. Data Scientists in ASIS work directly with client areas to make the best use of ASIS's unique data assets and achieve operational impact. They implement complex analytics and train and deploy machine learning models on premises and at the edge to enrich data and find the right information as quickly as possible.

A genuinely agile approach combined with strong governance has made ASIS a leader in the adoption and development of artificial intelligence and data analytics. Lead Scientists will work with other senior Data Science and AI practitioners to ensure that ASIS maintains its position in this field.

The key duties of the position include:

An EL1 Lead Data Scientist is expected to have significant experience, and deep technical expertise in one or more data science or machine learning (ML) domains. They operate entirely independently and have the capacity to fulfil leadership roles as required.

As a senior member of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Team you will:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Data Science and AI strategy in alignment with ASIS’s mission and priorities.
• Provide leadership within a growing Data Science and AI team; leading research and development projects, providing technical guidance, mentoring your colleagues and building solutions.
• Engage with customers to identify potential operational benefits from the application of data science, including identifying relevant data and analytic opportunities and then taking ownership of the implementation of work to realise operational impact.
• Collaborate with other technologists to build and maintain best practices for ML model training, storage, and deployment.
• Represent ASIS in external fora and collaboration related to data science and artificial intelligence.
• Act as a leader to foster a data driven culture across the organisation and support business areas to achieve operational outcomes.

We encourage applicants with the following skills and attributes to apply:

• Extensive practical experience in one or more of the following fields; complex data analytics, computer vision, natural language processing, large language models (LLMs) and other transformer based deep learning architectures, statistical modelling, probabilistic record linkage, distributed computing, graph/network analysis, orchestration and deployment of AI & ML models on GPU infrastructure at scale.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages such as Python, R, Scala, or Rust, especially Python.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a role you must:

• Be an Australian citizen
• Be assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance

For more information on eligibility please see the Protective Security Policy Framework which is publicly accessible at https://protectivesecurity.gov.au, section 12 provides information on Eligibility and suitability.

The position is Canberra based, with conditions similar to those in the Australian Public service including superannuation.

Notes

ASIS values workplace diversity and is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and respective work environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Women, people with disabilities, people that identify as LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please note: ASIS does not provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants

To apply please visit the ASIS website to view further job details and selection criteria

Getting to know the Australian Secret Intelligence Service

ASIS is Australia’s overseas secret intelligence collection agency. Its mission is to protect and promote Australia’s vital interests through the provision of intelligence services as directed by the Government. Its work can involve collecting intelligence relating to national security, international relations and economic issues. It also contributes to Australia’s coordinated national efforts against terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and trans-national issues such as people smuggling.