Data Scientist

Data Scientist

About the agency

The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is a small agency that was established in 2013 to oversee national actions to improve asbestos awareness and the effective and safe management, removal, and disposal of asbestos. This involved coordinating the implementation of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan.

In December 2023, the agency’s functions were expanded to include silica through the Amendment of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013. The agency’s name changed to the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.

Our role is to assist in the prevention of exposure to asbestos fibres and respirable crystalline silica, to eliminate asbestos and silica related disease in Australia and the devasting impacts they create. We do this by coordinating the implementation of the national strategic plans for asbestos and silica. In doing so we are fortunate to work alongside other government agencies, employee and employer representatives, technical experts, the research community, impacted families, and partners, all motivated by the same outcome.

We are a non-corporate entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Our Chief Executive Officer is appointed under the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 (the Act) and performs functions in accordance with that Act.

About the role

The Data Scientist will work, as part of our Research, Evaluation, and Data team, on projects and strategies related to ASSEA’s core functions. This includes managing the development and implementation of data science projects to provide insights, analysis, and modelling that informs ASSEA’s policy and operational decisions, and enables agency influence and support for our national and international partners. The role requires an innovative and strategic thinker who can manage complex datasets, apply advanced analytical techniques, and translate data into actionable and translatable intelligence.

This role requires a high level of expertise in data science, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation. The successful candidate will collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions that meet the strategic goals of the Agency.

Relevant tertiary qualifications, and experience aligned to the functions is highly desirable.

Experience working:

• on public health issues from either a workplace, environment or community perspective;
• in government or similar organisations; and/or
• in data analytics would also be an advantage.

The key responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead and manage data science projects, from concept, scoping and design through to delivery and implementation, ensuring alignment with the Agency’s strategic objectives.
• Apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyse complex datasets and provide actionable insights to support policy and operational decisions.
• Develop predictive and prescriptive models to solve policy challenges, optimise service delivery, and inform resource allocation.
• Provide technical leadership, direction, and support to ensure project success.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including external stakeholders to ensure data science projects are integrated into broader government initiatives.
• Take responsibility for the development and implementation of data governance frameworks, ensuring data quality, security, and ethical use of data, including data sovereignty for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Communicate technical results and findings clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences, including senior executives, policy makers and community groups, through reports, presentations, and data visualisation tools.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations in data science and analytics to ensure the Agency adopts best practices and cutting-edge methodologies.
• Identify opportunities for the use of data and analytics to improve Agency outcomes, including service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with relevant government policies, standards, and frameworks related to data management and security.
• Demonstrate organisational flexibility and cohesion by undertaking other duties as directed.

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic level specialist, professional and/or technical expertise relevant to the role.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating effectively with Senior Executives, employees and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a range of stakeholder relationships to promote and progress business objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in anticipating and establishing priorities, monitoring progress and working to deliver organisational functions and programs.
• Highly developed capabilities in the Identification and management of risk across all areas of decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to operate under broad direction while exercising a significant degree of independence.
• Make decisions that are based on professional judgement, evaluating risks and in the context of a complex and changing environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to interpret complex technical information, scientific papers and data.
• Ability to undertake independent research and analysis and produce accurate and concise reports, papers and other written content.
• Written and verbal communication skills, including providing accurate and concise technical advice and reports.
• Experience with of project management methodologies, including the preparation of project plans and undertaking project evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to liaise in a professional manner with a range of internal and external clients/stakeholders
• Experience in delivering presentations, facilitating discussion groups and/or training sessions
• Excellent time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Understanding of work health and safety risk management including knowledge of asbestos and respirable crystalline silica risks with the ability to interpret, prepare and present technical information in multiple formats.
• Proven ability to work with a high level of complexity, discretion, and sensitivity requiring negotiation and influence within these contexts.
• Understanding of government financial, legislative and administrative frameworks, and government decision making and well-developed verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications & experience

• Technical Expertise: High-level proficiency in statistical analysis, data science techniques, machine learning, and data mining. Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL, and familiarity with data technologies.
• Data Management: Strong knowledge of data governance, data architecture, and data management principles, including data cleansing, transformation, and integration from disparate sources.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop innovative data-driven solutions to complex problems, applying advanced analytics to inform policy and operational decisions.
• Communication: Proven ability to translate complex data analysis into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences. Strong presentation and data visualisation skills. Strong listening skills with the ability to engage with diverse groups on data needs.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, including setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership: Experience providing direction and support to achieve project goals, with a focus on inclusion with those most impacted and/or have insight related to the projects.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment with ASSEA, you must be an Australian citizen and you will be required to successfully undergo a police record check.

The successful applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Baseline level security clearance or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

Recruit Ability applies to this vacancy. Under the Recruit Ability scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability