Data Scientist

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia.

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child's date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for a Data Scientist role in the Data Capability Development (DCD) team for Electronic Surveillance Integration (ESI).

ESI develops and operates a wide range of lawful covert surveillance capabilities in support of the AFP's operational requirements. ESI capabilities are developed both in-house and sourced from commercial vendors. Our in-house electronic surveillance expertise is much sought-after by domestic and international law enforcement and intelligence partners, with the AFP having an enviable reputation for our bespoke collection capabilities.

As a Technical Specialist in the AFP you will ensure the achievement of outcomes are in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below.

Technical Specialists provide expert consultancy within their area of expertise to develop and promote technical solutions which support the business requirements of the AFP. A Technical Specialist role does not hold any leadership or financial delegations.

For more information about working in Electronic Surveillance Integration, part of Digital Surveillance Collection, please visit

What will you do?

As a data scientist, your responsibilities will include:

• Exploratory analysis of complex datasets to support investigative processes and the development of data capabilities across ESI.
• Research and development of machine learning models combining methods from statistics, spatiotemporal analysis, deep learning, graph data science, natural language processing, computer vision, etc, that support AFP's mission.
• Collaboration with the data engineering and infrastructure teams to implement solutions at scale.
• Collaboration with industry, academia and other government agencies to develop bespoke data science solutions to law enforcement challenges.
• Mentoring junior team members in data science and/or specialized data analytics.
• Maintaining currency in subject matter expertise through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualification or demonstrated experience in related field, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a similar technical field.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills in data science, statistics and machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of data science / machine learning solutions in a business context.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including stakeholder management.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics and solutions to all audiences, technical and non-technical.
• A Negative Vetting 2 (Top Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one – this will be sponsored by the AFP for successful candidates.

At TSF Level 2, in addition to above:

• Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience in data science and/or machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience managing the whole data science / machine learning project life cycle from a technical perspective.

Desirable Requirements

While not essential, your application will stand out if you have experience in various of the following areas:

• Experience with various programming languages, query languages and APIs.
• Experience working in a Linux/Windows environment.
• Working with Agile methodologies (e.g. Kanban, Scrum).
• Experience in geospatial analysis, natural language processing, signal processing and/or computer vision.
• Sound knowledge and experience working with APIs, AI/ML workflow frameworks and corresponding microservices.
• Prior experience with Intelligence, Defence of Law Enforcement.

Additional Information

• This position is a AFP Technical Specialist Band 1 - 2
• When applying you will be asked to nominate your preferred band level, however final determination of the band level you are found suitable for is at the discretion of the panel.
• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra. Any relocation to Canberra will be at the applicant's own cost.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contact Officer: Carlos

Contact Officer Phone: ,​

Contact Officer Email: 

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 04/11/2025