Head of Data Science Hub - Economic Research

• Senior Leadership opportunity shaping the future of the Australian economy

• 5-year max-term opportunity, Sydney CBD based with hybrid working

• Play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of all Australians

Are you a strategic leader in data science with a passion for public policy and economic research? Join the Reserve Bank of Australia as Head of the Data Science Hub and help shape the future of data-driven policymaking.

About the team

The Economic Research Department plays a central role in informing the Bank’s understanding of the economy and the evolving impact of monetary policy.

About the role

As Head of the Data Science Hub, you will be part of the department’s senior leadership team, driving innovation and delivering a data science strategy aligned with the RBA’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact team at the intersection of economics, data science, and policy—advancing the Bank’s analytical capabilities and fostering collaboration across departments.

What You’ll Do

• Set the vision and strategy for data science initiatives that support economic research and policy development.

• Lead and grow a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and technical excellence.

• Collaborate across disciplines, working with economists, data scientists, and IT specialists to deliver impactful solutions.

• Oversee complex, policy-relevant projects, ensuring operational rigour and strategic alignment.

• Champion advanced methodologies (e.g., machine learning, NLP, causal inference) to enhance the Bank’s analytical toolkit.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, representing the Hub and advocating for data-driven approaches.

• Translate complex analytics into actionable insights for senior policymakers and non-technical audiences.

• Ensure alignment with departmental goals and compliance with governance and risk frameworks.

About you

• Proven leadership experience in data science, ideally within economic, financial, or policy-focused environments.

• Strong technical expertise with a demonstrated track record of innovation and successful delivery.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and strategic communication skills.

• Experience operating at senior levels within a central bank or similar institution.

• Familiarity with macroeconomics, financial markets, financial stability, and monetary policy frameworks is highly desirable.

• PhD in data science or an equivalent preferred

Working for an organisation that truly makes a difference to the people of Australia, we can offer development and career opportunities in a collaborative environment that supports your growth, wellbeing and promotes flexibility. Your individual growth and success drives the RBA forward as an organisation. Be more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.
Why RBA?
The RBA makes an important contribution to the Australian economy through the pursuit of national economic policy objectives and associated activities in financial markets and banking. We also issue Australia's banknotes and operate infrastructure critical to the payments system, all of which contribute to the welfare of the Australian people. Made up of specialists across a wide range of fields, our people, values, and culture play a critical role in achieving our objectives. Striving to be Open & Dynamic, we consider and incorporate different perspectives, work across teams and are transparent with each other, whilst delivering quality together effectively and focusing on outcomes by prioritising, testing, learning, and refining as we go. Our people conduct themselves with a high degree of integrity, while striving for excellence in the work they perform and the outcomes they achieve. We encourage intelligent inquiry and we treat one another with respect while promoting the public interest through our efforts. We know it is the growth and success of our people that drives the RBA forward. Come and make a bigger contribution while you build and develop your own skills too, because being more means you can do more, for yourself and for Australia.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse background, those living with a disability and from the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates.

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