Senior Data Scientist

Guiding the future of NSW education 

Position details

• Clerk Grade 9/10


• Full-time


• Salary: $129,464 to $142,665 p.a. plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and leave loading


• Ongoing


• Close to Wynyard station & hybrid work arrangements available, noting in peak periods fulltime office attendance is required


• Contact for enquiries: Katie Elliott via [email protected]

About us

At the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we are dedicated to carrying out meaningful work that drives improvements and elevates student achievement across NSW, now and into the future.

We accomplish this by supporting all school sectors with high-quality syllabuses, assessment (including managing the HSC and NAPLAN), teaching standards (e.g., accrediting teachers) and school environments (including setting and monitoring school standards).

NESA is a unique organisation in NSW (of around 740FTE staff) with significant state-wide impact, visit our website to learn more about the important work we do.

About the role

The Senior Data Scientist role within NESA’s Assessment Division, responsible for supporting NSW-wide assessment programs, including the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the HSC Minimum Standards Tests, and NAPLAN.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will undertake research in educational measurement to support the development and application of assessment and examinations policy and practice.

You will be a key point of contact in providing advice and guidance to NESA, its committees and external stakeholders in the areas of statistics, educational measurement, assessment, and data engineering.

Additionally, using your strong data analysis and project management skills, you will analyse data, manages projects and processes, and support the extraction, loading and transformation of XML and other assessment data to enable NESA’s state-wide assessment and examination programs.

On a day-to-day basis you will be responsible for:

• Conducting high level research, statistical analyses and reviews of complex issues and proposals to support evidence-based decision making; recommend, implement and evaluate appropriate action.


• Preparing research papers and represent NESA at conferences, meetings and presentations.


• Providing and/or overseeing high level technical advice, information and support to NESA officers and its committees and external stakeholders on complex and diverse issues in statistics, educational measurement and research.


• Writing programs in R or Python that automate routine statistical analyses and processing tasks.


• Reviewing and evaluating system processes and recommend improvements.


• Extraction, loading and transformation of XML data.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• High-level project management skills, specifically in managing multiple complex projects within tight timeframes while proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes.


• A strong drive to support progression towards modern assessment methods, data technologies and analytical practices.


• Extensive experience in managing large-scale XML data for large-scale assessment programs, including extraction, loading, transformation, validation and timely delivery to internal and external stakeholders.

 To be successful, you will need:

• A current or completed PhD or postgraduate research degree in mathematics, data science, statistics, computer science, physics or another quantitative field.


• Experience using programming languages, such as R, Python, MATLAB or Julia.


• Demonstrated ability to undertake independent research, analysis, problem solving or technical development in a related discipline.


• Willingness to work with XML data and related data extraction, loading and transformation processes.


• A valid Working with Children Check for paid employment clearance.

We invite you to download the role description for additional information on the position.

Note:

A current NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is required before commencing in this role. It is not required at the application stage. The cost of the WWCC clearance is the responsibility of the successful applicant. 

At NESA you will benefit from:

• An organisation where your contribution has a big impact.


• An enviable CBD location (all modes of transport nearby, and excellent coffee and eateries) with refurbished offices.


• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.


• Access to discounted health and fitness memberships via Fitness Passport, an employee assistance program and annual flu vaccinations.


• Salary packaging options.


• Working in a purpose driven and ethical organisation with committed colleagues.

Ready to join us?

Key information: If you are a current NESA employee or from another NSW government agency who use SuccessFactors for recruitment, it’s important to apply through SuccessFactors to ensure your application reaches our system in the right place. If you need advice on that process follow this guide.

For all other candidates:

Select “Apply now” and attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Also address the 2 targeted questions below in your online application (maximum of 500 words per response - approximately):

• Describe a time you worked with a new or unfamiliar data format or system. How did you build your capability and apply it to achieve an outcome? 

• Give an example of how you managed your work priorities in a demanding environment to meet deadlines and maintain quality. 

Advice on applying for NSW Public Sector roles

If you need reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process and workplace, please reach out to [email protected]

Close date: Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

Thank you for your interest, we look forward to receiving your application.

#S/DNI

Important information

NESA’s Statement of Commitment to Child Safety

All children and young people have the right to be respected, feel safe, be safe, and protected from harm. NESA is committed to child safety and child safe practices underpinning our purpose of helping children and young people leave school, ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities and rise to its inevitable challenges. 

We particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages, genders, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For ongoing roles, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Australian Temporary Residents may be considered for a fixed term contract for the length of their visa, depending on the requirements of the hiring area and the position.

A Talent Pool (valid for 18 months) may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles