• Excellent opportunity to work with industry experts in the social research space
• Advance your career in survey data processing and social research analytics
• Convenient office location – next to Flagstaff City Loop station
• Flexible work arrangement/work from home option available

Established in 2000, the Social Research Centre is Australia’s leading provider of social research services and is dedicated to conducting world-class research that informs decision-making and advances our understanding of Australian society. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian National University (ANU), we enjoy unprecedented access to ANU researchers and ANU’s world class research environment.

We are seeking an experienced data scientist to join our Major Projects team. The role works closely with both survey operations and the research teams on all aspects of the survey lifecycle, from sample preparation to the production of complex data outputs. Specifically, the role will be responsible for survey sample preparation, data collection preparation, survey and in-field reminder launches, administration of fieldwork progress, data analysis, tabulation and other reporting. Please note that this role is heavily hands-on with data processing; professional experience in programming in R and/or Python is essential. Staff supervision and / or mentoring is part of the duties of this role.

Our data scientists also play a critical role in designing and developing system improvement initiatives that underpin our best-practice and flawless execution of complex research projects in the company. The successful candidate will be working with a team of highly skilled data scientists who are passionate about their work and fun to work with.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity, based at our Melbourne CBD office. Due to restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the successful candidate will initially be required to work remotely. A suitable home workspace and computer setup, and reliable internet connection are required.

Key responsibilities in this role will include:

• Acquisition and sample management, including working closely with internal and external stakeholders to develop and negotiate specific sample requirements for projects.
• Sample preparation and quality assurance. Tasks include applying tools for automated sample acquisition and real-time validation. This also includes management of mixed-mode multi-dispatch samples such as Dispatch and Collection Control Databases (DACC) and automated status updates across multiple platforms (e.g. Email, SMS, Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing, online).
• Providing support operations for data collection, including dispatching invitations and reminders to survey respondents, supporting sample adjustments, and responding to issues during field work for surveys.
• Working with research and operations teams to improve process efficiencies.
• Production and quality assurance of outputs, including preparation of electronic files, processing respondent level survey data, self-validation and checking figures and table outputs.
• Design, prepare and construct progress dashboards and reports for clients.
• Support the determination of appropriate sample sizes and survey design. This includes providing descriptions of sampling procedures for reports when required.
• Support survey data coding with advice and issue resolution and assisting with recoding variables and amending datasets as required.
• Technical development tasks (e.g. resolving data queries, evaluating tools and software).
• Assist with the production of training material or survey documentation for clients.

Key Selection Criteria:

• At least three years of professional programming experience (i.e. writing queries) in using R and/or Python to extract and manipulate large complex data sets. Experience in data manipulation using other programming languages such as SQL, SAS and SPSS would be highly regarded.

• Experience with using MS Office and Windows.
• Experience with validating data from a range of varying sources to ensure adherence to data requirements for reporting.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an ability to identify inaccuracies in data.
• Work in a logical and methodical manner.
• Demonstrated ability to progress multiple unrelated projects/tasks independently.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple deadlines without impact quality/timing.
• Ability to think "outside the box" to find creative solutions to problems.
• A team player who is focused on the overall performance of the department/ organisation.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills and an ability to communicate complex data concepts to non-technical audience.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, such as Statistics, Computer science, Analytics or Informatics.
• A good understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities pertaining to data confidentiality and privacy.

For more information or to see the Position Description, please contact Lisa Maxwell, Human Resources Generalist, at [email protected], using the subject line: Data Scientist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

You must have full working rights in Australia to be eligible to apply.

The Social Research Centre values diversity and believes that an inclusive and fair work environment has a positive impact on the wellbeing of employees, job satisfaction and productivity. We encourage people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage to apply.