EL 1

• $120,303 - $135,701 + up to 15.4% Superannuation
• Fairbairn - ACT

The Role
As an EL 1 Data Scientist within the AI Modelling and Engineering Directorate of the Defence AI Centre (DAIC), you will work with stakeholders across all the Groups and Services of Defence to provide hands-on technical assistance; support the test, evaluation and assurance of AI-enabled systems; build prototypes for pathfinder use cases; and, in general, support the design and implementation of secure, scalable solutions to uplift AI capability.

This role offers the opportunity to shape Defence's approach to AI by developing standards, design patterns, platforms and architectures that support effective MLOps and establish a clear line of sight across all technology readiness levels, from applied research to proof-of-concept, deployment and, eventually, retirement / decommissioning. You will need to establish and maintain effective technical working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, be a confident presenter and be both willing and able to justify your views on the basis of your strong technical expertise. You will be pragmatic, resilient and flexible, recognising that a possible 'good' solution is superior to an impossible 'perfect' solution, and you will be a team-player, working closely with the rest of the DAIC to deliver practical results that enhance Defence's decision superiority and asymmetric information advantage. You may be required to supervise and mentor junior staff.

You will often be called upon to represent DAIC at community of practice meetings, conferences, workshops and meetings with industry. Some of these events may involve domestic travel.

About our Team
The DAIC was established in June 2024, reporting to the Chief Data Integration Officer. It is a partnership between Data Division (ASG), Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Joint Capabilities Group (JCG), operating using a hub-and-spoke model. We support all Groups and Services, and work closely with academia and industry.

Our mission is to coordinate, inform and sponsor Defence efforts toward adopting AI at scale. This includes managing risks, identifying and embracing opportunities, and supporting the growth and increasing prevalence of AI. We deliver AI strategies, operational policies, training, governance and assurance over the use of AI in Defence, in partnership with Groups and Services and external stakeholders. We also act as a centre of technical expertise and support for exemplar Defence AI projects.

Our Ideal Candidate

• The successful candidate for this position will be working on complex to very complex technical problems and thus strong, relevant skills are essential.
• They will have a solid grounding in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts and methodologies – drawing upon their relevant professional experience and/or academic qualifications in disciplines such as computer science, statistics and mathematics.
• They will be proficient in modern data science languages, especially Python and R, and preferably also languages for high-performance computing, such as C/C++.
• Ideally they will be familiar with automatic differentiation libraries, such as Pytorch, and database query languages, such as SQL, Cypher and SPARQL.
• They will have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• They will need to engage with stakeholders at all levels, and tailor their communication style to different audiences.
• They will be pragmatic, resilient and self-motivated, challenging the status quo over the medium to longer term, while applying the "art of the possible" to achieve results in the short-term.
• They will also have proven management and leadership skills, including demonstrated ability to: manage and influence technical initiatives; provide strategic advice; manage competing priorities and meet deadlines; operate with a degree of autonomy; take the initiative and resolve complex technical problems in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving and often ambiguous environment.