Principal Data Scientist - Economic Research

• Lead research applying data science, AI and machine learning to central banking and economic policy questions.
• Translate innovative research into analytical tools, insights and decision-making for policy makers.
• Provide technical leadership and build data science capability across the Bank.

Are you an experienced data scientist, economist or computational researcher with a strong background in data science techniques? Do you enjoy applying cutting-edge data science, AI and machine learning techniques to answer important economic and policy questions?

Join the Reserve Bank of Australia as a Principal Data Scientist in Economic Research, where you will work at the intersection of economics, data science and public policy, leading innovative research, collaborating with economists and policymakers, and helping shape the application of AI and machine learning in central banking.

About the team

The Data Science Hub, part of the Economic Research Department, is the hub of a vibrant and growing data science community at the Bank. Our work spans policy-relevant research, experimentation with emerging analytical techniques, and the development of tools that support economic analysis and decision making. We are building collaborations with economists, policymakers, technologists and researchers across Australia and internationally.

About the role

As a Principal Data Scientist at the Reserve Bank of Australia, you will play a leading role in advancing the Bank’s research agenda through the application of data science and AI. You will investigate complex economic and financial questions using traditional and non-traditional data, contribute to research that informs policymaking and help identify new opportunities for data science to deliver outcomes across the Bank.

Alongside your research contributions, you will provide technical leadership within the Data Science Hub, mentor staff and help translate promising research into analytical capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Lead and contribute to innovative research applying data science, AI, machine learning and non-traditional data to central banking and economic policy questions.
• Collaborate with economists and policymakers to develop new approaches for analysing the economy, financial system and broader policy issues.
• Publish and communicate high-quality research both internally and externally.
• Translate research outcomes into analytical tools, models and capabilities that support decision making across the Bank.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to data scientists, researchers and analysts across the Bank.
• Help shape the Bank’s data science, AI and analytical capabilities, including platforms, methodologies and bet practices.

About you                           

• Demonstrated research capability in data science, economics or a related quantitative field.
• Strong technical expertise in modern data science and AI methods, including machine learning, statistical modelling, natural language processing, large language models, and associated tools and platforms.
• Experience applying quantitative methods to complex real-world problems in economics, finance, public policy, business, computational social science, or related fields.
• Experience producing high-quality research outputs, such as publications, working papers, technical reports, conference or workshop presentations, or other significant analytical contributions.
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines, bringing together expertise from economics, data science, and policy.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical and senior audiences.
• Experience leading research initiatives, mentoring colleagues and contributing to a collaborative research culture.
• Familiarity with macroeconomics, financial markets, financial stability, monetary policy frameworks or related areas is highly regarded.
• A research‑focused postgraduate qualification (e.g. PhD or Master’s by Research), or equivalent research experience, is strongly preferred.

Be More
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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