Data Scientist Lead at GNS Science

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Data Science, Leadership, Statistics, Mathematics, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, MLOps, AI Services, HPC, Cloud Environments, Scientific Programming, Scripting Languages, Communication, Project Management, Mentoring, Research

Industry

Research Services

Description

Data Science Lead Te tūnga | The role We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and inspiring data scientist to provide vision, expertise and leadership to our Data Science team that enables PHF Science to push today’s boundaries. This is so we can see beyond the horizon into the future and drive action that solves some of the complex problems New Zealand is facing in terms of the health security and forensics. This will be achieved through the development and integration of cutting-edge data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and deep learning/machine learning (DL/ML) methods into PHF Science’s scientific and commercial research, products and services. The Data Scientist Lead will be an active data scientist, who enables, mentors and develops capability. The Data Science Lead will also establish and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, to create new opportunities for PHF Science. This includes supervising PhD and Master’s students and undertaking relevant research. This position can be based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and we offer a hybrid working environment if desirable. Kia angitu koe | About you To be successful in this role, you will have the following: A post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline. Proven experience in leading high-performance teams to create business outcomes from data. Highly experienced in statistics, mathematics, machine learning/deep learning, and other data science methods. Experience with MLOps and LLM-powered AI services and workflows. Highly skilled in HPC and/or Cloud environments and the ability to develop scientific/numerical programming Highly proficiency in scripting languages such as R and Python. Positive and effective ability to communicate with a wide range of people. Ability to effectively lead and manage people and cross-organisation relationships. Training, mentoring and team development skills. Experience in project management. Experience in publishing in scientific journals. Ability to prepare and present scientific information (written and verbal) to a range of audiences. Ngā painga | The benefits Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments The equivalent of 5 weeks holidays 15 days sick leave per year and service leave provisions after five years Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community Free annual flu vaccinations Life insurance and physical loss benefit Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service. Mō mātou | About us PHF Science (formerly ESR) is a New Zealand Public Research Organisation (PRO) dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities. We provide expert leadership, research and science services to enhance our public health and justice systems, and power innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow. With four locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), our work means New Zealanders can feel confident that disease outbreaks and environmental risks to health are monitored and managed, and the impact of drug harm in the community is reduced and we live in a society where justice is supported by trustworthy evidence. We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible and ever-evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification. Tono mai | Apply now We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori. If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with recruitment@phfscience.nz Applications close Monday 9 February 2026. Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and will be in touch once advertising. PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application. Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment. Applications Close: 9 February 2026 We are New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science for communities. We use world-leading science to safeguard our health, keep our communities safer, protect our food-based economy, and improve the health of our water and natural environment. Keeping people safe and healthy through science is our focus and our staff bring a wealth of different experience and backgrounds to deliver this expertise. If you have the skills, initiative and commitment for protecting people through science, we’d like to hear from you. Find out more: PHF Science - Careers PHF Science - Website PHF Science - LinkedIn

Responsibilities

The Data Scientist Lead will provide vision and leadership to the Data Science team, integrating advanced data science methods into research and services. They will also mentor team members and establish relationships with external stakeholders.