The Role The Chief Data Scientist (CDS) is a leadership role that supports the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) by providing subject matter expert advice to shape recruiting medical policy standards and procedures. The CDS works productively with relevant stakeholders to deliver on recruiting objectives outlined in the National Defence Strategy, Defence Workforce Strategy and the Integrated Investment Plan.

Duties include

- Provide effective leadership, strategic direction and expert analytical judgement to fully actualise the medical recruiting aspects of the Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) mission.
- Provide a strategic, specialist and professional analysis on complex medical recruiting problems using expertise, professional judgement and initiative to identify and recommend alternative courses of action and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain business domain knowledge in medical recruitment, leveraging analytical tools, state-of-the-art data science skills and awareness of globally emerging techniques to prioritise and solve complex problems.
- Provide quality advice to senior staff including preparation of briefing material, correspondence and reports on relevant policy, governance and performance initiatives for DFR CMO as directed.
- Understand and operate within legal and ethical use of data, interpreting and complying with legislation, Defence policy and regulatory frameworks including data management requirements.
- Manage, articulate and identify the risks associated with the use of medical in confidence and personally identifiable information including balancing security and privacy against the benefits of collecting and sharing data and recommend courses of action to DFR CMO.
- Establish and manage stakeholder relationships across Joint Health Command, DFR and the DFR contracted health provider in support of recruiting outcomes.




- Develop detailed knowledge of Defence’s mission and business objective to represent and advocate at conferences, seminars, briefings and meetings to support the Defence mission to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Shaping strategic priorities for CMO office senior leadership group by anticipating changes and monitoring progress to effectively deliver required outcomes as outlined in the CMO Strategic Plan.

About our Team The Chief Data Scientist role at Defence Force Recruiting Headquarters works within the Directorate of Recruiting Health Services (DRHS) of Defence Force Recruiting and supports the strategic and operational direction of the DFR Chief Medical Officer.

The CMO team is comprised of Australian Defence Force (ADF), Australian Public Service (APS) and Contracted Professionals. The CDS role provides critical support to ADF recruitment and capability objectives by facilitating expert, timely health data analysis and advice to match the right candidate to the right role.

Our Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a highly skilled data science professional who can work independently to deliver strategic insights and evidence-based recommendations that support Defence recruiting outcomes. They will combine strong analytical capability with sound judgement, influencing decision-making in a complex and sensitive workplace.

You will demonstrate

- Advanced data science and analytical expertise, with the ability to solve complex business problems and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide trusted advice to senior leaders and diverse audiences.
- Sound judgement in managing sensitive information, data governance, privacy and risk.
- The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and the ethical use of data to support organisational objectives.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Baseline Vetting” level.

📌 Chief Data Scientist, Defence Force Recruiting (Australia)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Australia