• Exciting opportunity to work with and learn from industry experts in the social research space
• Advance your career in data science and social research
• Convenient office location in Melbourne CBD
• Flexible work arrangement with hybrid work from home/office option

Overview:

We are seeking enthusiastic Data Scientists to join our General Data Science team in the positions of Junior Data Scientist, Data Scientist and Senior Data Scientist.

In these roles, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of the survey lifecycle with your excellent data management skills, the key responsibilities are outlined below. Our data scientists play a critical role in designing and developing system improvement initiatives that underpin best-practice and flawless execution of complex research projects. The successful candidates will work within a team of highly skilled data scientists who are passionate about social research. The desirable candidates will have experience or knowledge in statistical analysis, modelling and inferential statistics.

They will also have experience or interest in developing dashboards and web applications using frameworks like R Shiny. Familiarity with a Tableau and/ or PowerBI would be highly regarded. These are full-time opportunities based at our Melbourne CBD office with hybrid work arrangements available, and we are open to part-time arrangements for the right candidates. An appropriate home workspace and reliable internet connection are essential if working from home. Applications for these roles on both a permanent and 12-month fixed-term basis will be considered.

About the company:

The Social Research Centre, part of the Australian National University, is dedicated to conducting world-class research that informs decision making and advances our understanding of Australian society. We have championed best practice methods for more than 20 years and are Australia’s largest social research and evaluation only agency.

About the positions:

• Junior Data Scientist

Junior Data Scientist is an entry-level role for recent graduates in data science or related fields, or someone who has industry experience and wants to make a switch to data science. This role mainly supports senior members of the team and undertakes the general responsibilities outlined below.

For more details, please refer to the position description here.

• Data Scientist

A Data Scientist typically has 1-2 years of industry experience managing full data lifecycle and project delivery. In addition to the general responsibilities outlined below, this role is responsible for driving innovation and supporting best practice in the application of data science methods and tools. This role also provides training to junior members and supports the senior members to lead the project and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

For more details, please refer to the position description here.

• Senior Data Scientist

A Senior Data Scientist usually has 3+ years in the industry with some line management experience. It is also an ideal opportunity for experienced Data Scientists who wish to step into a leadership role. This position oversees the project delivery and support the general responsibility as needed. This role also entails applying advanced data engineering and management practices to collaborate with teams and clients, designing and assessing new systems, quality assurance, conducting data analyses, and supervising and mentoring staff in the team.

For more information, please refer to the position description here.

Key responsibilities:

• Survey participant data management, including working with internal and external stakeholders to develop and negotiate specific sample requirements for projects.
• Sample preparation and quality assurance. Tasks include applying tools for automated sample acquisition and real-time validation. This also includes management of mixed-mode survey databases and automated status updates across multiple platforms (e.g. Email, SMS, Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing, online).
• Providing support operations for data collection, including dispatching invitations and reminders to survey respondents, supporting sample adjustments, and responding to issues during field work for surveys.
• Production and quality assurance of output files, including processing respondent-level survey data, self-validation and checking figures and table outputs.
• Support survey data coding with advice and issue resolution by assisting with recoding variables and amending datasets as required.
• Technical development tasks (e.g. resolving data queries, evaluating tools and software).
• Liaise with internal stakeholders such as research and operations team and prepare and conduct survey fieldworks, provide technical and data support, and improve process efficiencies.
• Work with external stakeholders like clients by providing data support, designing reporting dashboards, producing training materials for external presentations and consultancies.

Required skills and experience:

• Professional experience using R and/or Python and SQL for ETL procedures, working in a collaborative team environment using Git version control and GitHub. For our junior candidates, industry experience is desirable but not essential.
• Experience with systematic data validation to ensure adherence to data requirements.
• Enjoy problem solving activities and thinking "outside the box" to find creative solutions.
• Skills in project management and communicating with internal and external stakeholders, and ability to meet deadlines
• A team player who is focused on the overall performance of the team.
• A good understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities pertaining to data confidentiality and privacy
• A bachelors (postgraduate desirable) qualification in one of the following areas:
  • Statistics and Mathematics
  • Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Political Science, Sociology)
  • Computer Science, Analytics or Informatics,
  • Or other related fields of study

To apply for this position:

Please provide your resume and cover letter stating which position you are applying for and outlining how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the position.   

Short-listed applicants will be required to undertake a two-hour online exercise designed to gauge technical skills and know-how.

If you have any questions, please contact the People and Culture team at [email protected], using the subject line: Data Scientists - Junior / Senior enquiry via EthicalJobs.

You must have full working rights in Australia to be eligible to apply.

The Social Research Centre values diversity and believes that an inclusive and fair work environment has a positive impact on the wellbeing of employees, job satisfaction and productivity. We encourage people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage to apply.