Senior Data Scientist

Chisholm is seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist for our TAFE Transformation Office.

BELONGING & INCLUSION

Chisholm is resolutely diverse. We celebrate our people’s unique contributions to achieving our ambition to transform lives through relevant and responsive high-quality education. Chisholm’s culture of Belonging & Inclusion strives to promote a self-regulating culture that enhances the experiences of our employees, students and communities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Data Scientist provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in data science, predictive analytics and applied artificial intelligence across the Student Progression Analytics for Retention and Completion (SPARC) project. The role leads the design, development, validation and implementation of advanced analytical capabilities that support improved student retention, completion and learner success outcomes.

As the Senior Data Scientist, your key responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership and specialist direction for the data science and advanced analytics components of Project SPARC, working in partnership with Chisholm's Data and Analytics Manager.
• Evaluate and provide expert advice on the suitability, maturity and scalability of Chisholm's analytics environment, identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen analytical capability and support future-state requirements.
• Partner with senior leaders and subject matter experts to shape, design and implement analytics-enabled solutions, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and business outcomes.
• Provide authoritative advice on technical risks, constraints, dependencies and opportunities, developing recommendations that balance innovation, operational practicality and enterprise architecture considerations.
• Lead the development, validation and ongoing refinement of evidence-based engagement and progression indicators that improve understanding of retention and completion risk.
• Provide specialist insight informed by contemporary research, emerging analytical methodologies and sector-leading practice to strengthen SPARC's evidence base and analytical approach.
• Analyse behavioural and educational patterns across pilot cohorts.
• Provide technical leadership in the evaluation and application of machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies to address complex student success challenges.
• Develop, validate and optimise analytical models using approved datasets and established governance frameworks to ensure methodological rigour and reliability.
• Embed responsible AI and ethical analytics principles throughout the model lifecycle, ensuring transparency, explainability, fairness and appropriate governance oversight.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the design of SPARC's risk-informed decision-support capability, including analytical architecture, measures, business logic and reporting frameworks.

ABOUT YOU

You are a highly motivated individual with demonstrated ability to design and lead an end-to-end data and analytics approach for a complex transformation project, and extensive senior-level experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, AI, statistical modelling or applied data strategy.

Qualifications required for the role:

• Master’s degree in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, econometrics, information technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics or related discipline.
• > 3 years demonstrated senior professional experience equivalent to formal qualifications may be considered.

ABOUT US

Chisholm is one of the largest vocational training providers in the state with a team of over 1,400 dedicated staff supporting 41,000 students who choose to study at Chisholm and training at our modern campuses across Melbourne’s southeast and online.  We partner with governments, educational institutes, and businesses worldwide, sharing our expertise in vocational education.

We offer over 400 courses that include nationally accredited pathways from secondary school programs and short courses, through to certificates, diplomas, and degrees.

At Chisholm, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. We know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain a team of talented people.

Chisholm has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. All allegations and safety concerns will be treated consistently in accordance with Chisholm policy and procedure.

WHAT WE OFFER

• An Inclusive work culture- Chisholm is resolutely diverse. We celebrate our people’s unique contributions to achieving our ambition to transform lives through relevant and responsive high-quality education.
• Professional Development- continue to grow your career
• Networking Opportunities with Industry Partners
• State of the art facilities on our campuses
• Free on-site parking as well as locations close to public transport
• Free Employee Assistance Program- get the support you want. Its confidential.

If this is the job for you, please apply online now. We look forward to receiving your application!

Important information about your application:

Your application should include:

• a cover letter
• your resume
• contact details of three (3) referees

Please note, appointment to this position is subject to satisfactory completion of Safety Screening requirements including:

• Verified copies of all qualifications and transcripts as listed on resume.
• Current & Valid Working with Children Check (Employee and not Volunteer) (at applicants’ expense)
• Verified copy of unrestricted rights to work in Australia
• Verified Police Check (at applicants’ expense)

Applications for this position close at 9am, Thursday 10 September 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the position or require further information, please contact Jane Phipps, Director TAFE Transformation at ***********@chisholm.edu.au. 

We are committed to a fair and equitable merit-based recruitment process for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements, please contact our Belonging & Inclusion Lead by emailing *********@chisholm.edu.au.
Chisholm Institute reserves the right to withdraw an advertised position at any stage.

Find out more about us by visiting us on our Website and social media sites.