Discipline Lead Futures Data Analytics – Department of Defence
📌 Vacancy Fact Sheet
- Reference Number: VN-0769722
- Agency: Department of Defence
- Division: 34 – Chemical Sciences
- Job Title: Discipline Lead Futures Data Analytics
- Position Number: DSTG/02887/26
- Classification: Position Number DSTG/02887/26
- Closing Date: Monday 08 June 2026
- Job Type: Full-Time, Ongoing
- Location: Fairbairn ACT, Edinburgh SA
- Future Merit Locations: Fairbairn, Edinburgh
- Salary: $144,430 – $173,359
- Office Arrangement: On Site (Defence is committed to supporting workplace)
About Department of Defence
The Strategic Foresight and Tools STC applies Strategic Analysis, Operations Research and
future technology-focused data analytics to support strategic decision making for Defence. The
scientific disciplines that underpin the STC include Strategic Analysis, Strategic Prioritisation and
Futures Data Analytics.
The Futures Data Analytics Discipline focuses on designing and applying data science and data
engineering strategies in support of Defence technology foresight. It enables the awareness and
early warning assessment of Defence related emerging and disruptive technologies that will
influence the prioritisation of policy choices and investment decisions.
The Futures Data Analytics Discipline works in close collaboration with the Disruptive Technology
Assessment group to identify and promulgate emerging and disruptive technologies that
potentially will have a Defence impact. This includes the development of a number of products for
Defence that describe technologies and their Defence application, operational impact, asymmetric
potential and their ethical, legal and social implications.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will have a background and experience in advanced data analytics in the
context of Defence and National Security. This role requires a strong understanding of data
analysis, machine learning, and statistical modelling, along with proficiency in programming
languages such as Python, R and SQL. Experience in working with large datasets and knowledge
of open-source data science tools are also beneficial. A PhD or a Bachelor degree with equivalent
experience in a relevant foundational discipline such as the physical sciences or mathematics is
highly desirable.
The successful candidate demonstrates a strong understanding of the Defence strategic context,
including DSTG’s role in supporting the Defence Strategic Centre and capability development
processes. They work effectively with stakeholders across Defence, government, academia and
industry. They foster a collaborative, inclusive culture and lead the development of a
high-performing, multidisciplinary team. They articulate and drive a clear vision for the future
direction of the team and its science. They also demonstrate proven people-leadership excellence,
with a strong record of managing performance, developing talent, and leading a diverse workforce
with professionalism and integrity.
Duties
- The Role
- The Strategic Foresight and Tools (SFT) Science and Technology Capability (STC) is seeking
- experienced multi-disciplinary researcher to fill the role of the Discipline Lead Futures Data
- Analytics within our team. The Discipline Lead Futures Data Analytics position reports to the
- Group Leader Strategic Foresight and Tools. Working under broad direction, you will lead a
- diverse team of scientists, researchers and analysts to build and grow the Futures Data Analytics
- Discipline.
- The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
- Leading Futures Data Analytics to inform strategic decision-making occurring in the
- Department of Defence though the identification of emerging and disruptive technologies and
- advanced asymmetric capabilities in support of Defence capability planning and operational
- requirements.
- Managing the work of the team contributing to the Strategic Futures Work Package within
- the Force Design and Integration Project.
- Collaborating with technology analysts to identify data science needs and opportunities.
- Overseeing the deployment and training of machine learning models and the application of
- artificial intelligence to enhance data capabilities.
- Ensuring the ethical and secure use of data, adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
Eligibility / Notes
- Security Clearance:
- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.
- Mandatory Qualifications:
- The S&T6/EL2 Senior Researcher – Operations Analysis position requires:
- Academic qualifications in one or more of the following related fields of research; or
- Relevant skills and work experience.
- Ref 1297.0 ANZSRC Fields of Research 2020:
- Division 34 – Chemical Sciences
- Division 35 – Commerce & Management Services
- 3503 Business Systems in Context
- Division 44 – Human Society
- 4401 Anthropology
- 4408 Political Science
- 4410 Sociology
- Division 46 – Information & Computing Sciences
- 4602 Artificial Intelligence
- 4606 Distributed Computing & Systems Software
- 4609 Information Systems
- Division 49 – Mathematical Sciences
- 4901 Applied Mathematics
- 4903 Numerical & Computational Mathematics
- 4905 Statistics
- Division 51 – Physical Sciences
- Division 52 – Psychology
- 5204 Cognitive & Computational Psychology
How to Apply
Position Contact Dr Ivan Garanovich, 02 5130 8351
Agency Recruitment Site https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=2C137243-8EEA-C331-11B3-ECF110375A
Applicants to vacancies notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette should be aware:
that the names of successful applicants will also be notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette
applicants found suitable may be offered similar employment opportunities by other Australian Public Service agencies
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