"Data Scientist - City Futures Research Centre"

Data Scientist - City Futures Research Centre

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Job no: 538000
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Information Technology, Engineer, Knowledge Exchange

• Remuneration Level 6: $103,866 - $110,801 + 17% Superannuation
• Location: Kensington, NSW (hybrid flexibility to work from home and on campus 3 days a week)
• Full Time (35-hour week)
• Fixed Term for 12 months

Why The Role Matters:

The Data Scientist plays a key role contributing to applied data science and machine learning activities that support urban analytics and research outcomes. The role focuses on reviewing, improving, and maintaining an existing data processing system that processes public development application (DA) data. This includes collecting and cleaning data, assigning geographic locations, storing it in a structured database (PostgreSQL/PostGIS), and running automated models to support analysis and decision-making. Working within an established technical environment, the Data Scientist helps improve existing models and supports the development and testing of new analysis methods, under the guidance of senior technical staff. The position reports to the Digital Infrastructure & Labs Manager and has no direct reports.

Accountabilities:

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)

• Apply established analytical and modelling techniques to support analysis of infrastructure capacity, demand, and sequencing.
• Apply established data‑science and machine‑learning techniques to improve the performance and reliability of existing models, including classification and prioritisation models.
• Develop, test, and refine analytical approaches and models (e.g. NLP‑based classification, embeddings, or tree‑based models) within agreed project scope and under direction.
• Work with structured and geospatial datasets, including maintaining and querying data stored in PostgreSQL/PostGIS environments.
• Monitor model outputs and data quality, identifying issues and contributing to continuous improvement of data processes.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, including model logic, data flows, and assumptions, to support transparency and future development.
• Collaborate with researchers, analysts, and technical staff within the Centre to ensure analytical outputs support research objectives.
• Respond flexibly to project priorities and guidance from the Digital Infrastructure & Labs Manager.

Skills and Experience:

To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying machine‑learning techniques in an applied or production‑like environment, including classification or predictive modelling.
• Experience working with Python and common data‑science libraries (e.g. pandas, scikit‑learn), and with relational databases using SQL.
• Experience working with structured datasets, including data cleaning, validation, and transformation.
• Familiarity with natural language processing approaches and tools (e.g. tokenisation, embeddings, or text classification techniques).
• Ability to document analytical methods and code clearly to support collaboration and reuse.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a small, collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders when required.

Pre-Employment Checks:

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply:

Submit both a Cover Letter and CV online via the UNSW Job Board before Thursday 5th March 2026 by 11:30pm. Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses the Skills and Experience mentioned in the advert (no more than 1 page).

Get in Touch: Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.

If you have questions about the role, please contact Alireza Shamakhy at a.shamakhy@unsw.edu.au

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.