Data Scientist

• Insights and Analytics Unit, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Level 8, $111, 613 - $126,406 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

Join us in supporting the University’s dedication to excellence and informed decision-making. As an Analyst and Data Scientist, you will play a crucial role in our strategic and operational planning efforts. Applying advanced data science techniques and statistical methods, you will synthesise data from diverse sources to measure outcomes, monitor performance, and uncover growth opportunities. Collaborating closely across departments, you will develop load and income estimates, conduct insightful analyses, and provide decision-making support for university-wide initiatives. Under the guidance of the Manager, Planning and Performance Analysis, you will also oversee the University’s student load and income forecasting model, ensuring its integrity and compliance with higher education funding regulations. This role is ideal for someone passionate about leveraging data to drive strategic insights and enhance operational efficiency across our vibrant campus community.

For more information, please visit us online Insights and Analytics Unit

You will

• Lead the way in forecasting and modelling student load and income, delivering expert insights to the Australian Government while offering strategic advice on funding models and enrolment algorithms;
• monitor student demand and collaborate with Marketing and Communications to track trends, capture market intelligence, and uncover new opportunities for UniSC's growth and performance; and
• dive into complex data, delivering precise and innovative solutions that offer strategic insights across performance measures, outcomes, and benchmarks.

About you

Our ideal candidate is someone who thrives on designing and implementing sophisticated modelling tools to help shape our future. You’re passionate about turning data into actionable insights, playing a key role in our integrated planning for enrolments, budgets, and workforce needs. Your expertise in creating accurate load and income estimates will ensure UniSC stays ahead, as you provide critical advice to both the university and the Australian Government on funding models. You’ll bring an in-depth understanding of higher education funding legislation and stay ahead of changes that impact us. You’ll be excited to dig into data, delivering strategic insights on performance, outcomes, and benchmarks, while building strong collaborative networks.

You will possess:

• Extensive experience in using advanced analytical techniques to transform complex data into valuable insights for diverse audiences, initiating new ideas, and applying data visualisation to inform decision-making.
• Demonstrated programming skills with SQL, Python, and R, along with proficiency in the Microsoft Suite, particularly PowerBI.
• A strong track record in maintaining data quality, managing validation processes, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data, with a solid understanding of data governance principles.
• The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, showing initiative while managing multiple priorities and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences, presenting confidently to senior staff, and preparing clear, concise reports.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with experience in identifying and interpreting client needs, offering accurate advice, and resolving complex queries.
• Relevant experience in the higher education sector, along with knowledge of industry challenges that may influence the university’s strategic direction, is highly desirable.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description:  641 Analyst and Data Scientist L8 Sept 24.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 28 October

Your completed application must include:

• a one page resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Brooklyn Coyle
Senior Lead, Insights and Analysis
Telephone: 07 5456 5480
Email: bcoyle@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.