Senior Data Scientist

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $113,022 - $136,747

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: IT and telecommunications

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DFFH/SRWE/725388

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a

safe, respected and valued life.

Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+

equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are

disadvantaged and vulnerable.

We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across

metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be

worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse

backgrounds and abilities. .

If you're having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large

print), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed

on the ad.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and

Housing Victoria | Jobs )

THE ROLE

We are looking for someone to join the Social Investment Infrastructure team in the role of Senior Data Scientist who will:

• Collaborate expertly: work alongside our Social Investment Technical Lead and analysts to enhance modelling efficiency and scale functions.
• Drive innovation: develop cutting-edge models and simulations using the Julia programming language.
• Solve complex problems: play a pivotal role in data-driven decision-making processes by applying logical solutions at huge scale
• Influence policy: contribute to government policy analysis and decision-making across all major Victorian state government service delivery portfolios.
• Advance our capabilities: help us build and improve robust microsimulation models that inform critical policy initiatives.
• Undertake impactful work: your development, maintenance and support of key tools will directly influence government policies and improve public services.
• Be part of an innovative environment: our unit values creativity and innovation and operates in a way that enhances skills in a supportive environment.

Social Investment Analytics (SIA) is part of the Performance, Analytics, and Evaluation Branch in DFFH. The Infrastructure Team curates the person-centred data, builds and maintains the modelling, and develops the simulation engine and outputs for the Victorian Social Investment Model (VicSIM). This whole-of-government analytical evidence platform is used to support business case development, initiative design, and the tailoring of eligibility criteria, outcomes measurement and program monitoring and evaluation with the use of linked administrative data. The team works with some of the state's largest datasets to create predictive tools at the cutting edge of government microsimulation.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Develop and enhance microsimulation models using the Julia programming language to simulate the service use, projected outcomes and avoided costs of existing Victorians and the impact of program-area developed scenarios
• Develop, maintain and provide pivotal cross-departmental stakeholder support for Power BI and Excel-based tools that are the core of SIA's scenario simulation, cohort exploration and modelling/simulation validation.
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts to incorporate cross-domain effects and program logics into the simulation modelling

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs )

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

Applications close Wednesday 3 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

20 August 2025