Lead Data Scientist – AI, Machine Learning & Generative AI

Services Australia | Federal Government Contract

Rate: $135 - $155 per hour

Locations: Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Hobart

Contract: Up to 12 months + potential extensions up to 24 months

Start Date: 1 December 2026

Working Arrangements: Hybrid – initial 6 weeks onsite

Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain Baseline clearance

Level: EL1 Equivalent

Remuneration: Competitive contract rates, commensurate with experience

Reference: LH-08307

About the Opportunity

Babylon Data is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to support a major Australian Federal Government agency delivering advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities.

Working within Services Australia, you will lead the design, development and implementation of sophisticated data science solutions that improve operational effectiveness, support strategic decision-making and enable responsible adoption of emerging AI technologies.

This is an opportunity for a technically accomplished data scientist with strong leadership capabilities and hands-on experience across machine learning, generative AI, statistical modelling and enterprise-scale analytical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the design, development and implementation of AI and machine learning solutions, optimising performance, latency and cost.
- Design and evaluate generative AI applications, including large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic AI workflows.
- Lead data acquisition, integration, transformation and feature engineering across complex structured and unstructured datasets.
- Develop, train,



validate and deploy statistical and machine learning models.
- Establish robust model evaluation frameworks covering accuracy, reliability, safety, business outcomes and operational performance.
- Lead experimentation, proof-of-concept development and technical feasibility assessments.
- Deliver advanced exploratory, statistical and predictive analytics to identify actionable business insights.
- Implement Responsible AI governance, model assurance, explainability, fairness and bias assessment processes.
- Lead the integration, monitoring and continuous improvement of production AI and machine learning solutions.
- Engage senior stakeholders, communicate technical findings and translate business requirements into effective analytical solutions.
- Provide technical leadership, quality assurance, mentoring and oversight of data science deliverables.

Essential Skills and Experience

Successful applicants will demonstrate

- Extensive experience in data science, statistical analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Solid programming capabilities using Python, R or equivalent statistical computing languages.
- Practical experience developing and evaluating generative AI solutions, including LLMs, RAG, prompt engineering and agentic AI workflows.




- Experience managing the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle, including feature engineering, training, validation, deployment and monitoring.
- Advanced exploratory data analysis and statistical modelling capabilities across large, complex datasets.
- Experience implementing model evaluation frameworks, AI assurance and Responsible AI practices.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor specialists and assure complex analytical deliverables.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and analytical problem-solving skills.
- Experience developing reusable analytical assets, documentation and reproducible methodologies.

Highly Regarded

- Previous experience delivering data science or AI solutions within Australian Federal Government agencies.
- Experience operating in regulated, security-conscious or large enterprise environments.
- Hands-on experience deploying AI and machine learning solutions into production.
- Familiarity with Australian Government data governance, privacy and responsible data-sharing obligations.
- Experience optimising generative AI applications for grounding, cost, latency and operational reliability.
- Current Australian Government Baseline clearance or higher.

Working Arrangements

Positions are available in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart.

Successful candidates are expected to work onsite for the first six weeks. Hybrid arrangements may subsequently be considered, subject to operational requirements and agency approval.

Candidates must reside within reasonable travelling distance of their nominated office location and be available to attend onsite when required.

📌 Lead Data Scientist – AI, Machine Learning & Generative AI (Canberra)
🏢 Babylon Data
📍 Canberra