Data Scientist

The Role

As an APS 6 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.

Drawing upon your strong technical expertise, you will contribute to discussions on system architecture and platforms, encompassing on-prem and on-cloud environments, from R&D through to production, covering all aspects of DevSecOps and MLOps pipelines. You will contribute to technical briefings and articles, maintain a general, up-to-date awareness of relevant research trends, and look for opportunities to apply research to enhance Defence’s decision superiority and asymmetric information advantage.

Occasionally you may also be required 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 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++.
• They will know how to use automatic differentiation libraries such as Pytorch, and will be familiar with query languages for relational database management systems, such as SQL.
• Experience with knowledge graphs, including graph database engines such as Neo4J, and associated languages such as Cypher and SPARQL is also desirable, but not essential, as is experience designing and interacting with web-based APIs.
• They will have attention to detail, along with strong written and verbal communication skills. They should be able 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.

Application Closing Date : Thursday 10 July 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference ASG / 05156 / 25 on https : / / defencecareers.nga.net.au / ?jati=929C6BE2-DCCA-E71E-6A67-E3EFCE1ADD1D

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