Job Opportunities in Australia

• APS3 Level: $64,681 – $72,911 pro rata (plus 15.4% superannuation and allowances)
• Location: Canberra, Melbourne or Sydney
• Several non-ongoing part-time APS3 positions

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is currently seeking several Student Data Scientists and Student Data Analysts to join our Statistical Production and Digital Services Division in the Safe Data Lab Clearance section.

This is an opportunity to develop practical experience in the growing Data Science and Data Analysis fields, by being part of projects that inform and benefit the Australian Government and community.

These positions are available in our Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney offices at an APS3 level. The Data Lab Student roles are temporary, 12-month contracts available to candidates that can work approximately 10-15 hours (2 days) per week. These days are negotiable and flexible around study commitments.

About the area

Data Lab is the ABS analysis solution for users who want to undertake real time complex analysis of detailed microdata. The ABS uses the Five Safes Framework to assess and manage the disclosure risk associated with the use of information in the Data Lab.

Users conduct their analysis within the secure environment, using statistical software such as R, SAS, Stata and Python. Data Lab analysts have access to a range of datasets including ABS survey results, administrative data collected by other organisations and integrated datasets.

All outputs produced in the Data Lab are cleared by the ABS before being released. This is to ensure that they do not present a disclosure risk to any persons, groups or organisations whose microdata is in the dataset. This includes checking for cells with a small number of contributors, or cells where one or two persons or organisations dominate the cell value.

The use of the Data Lab – and the requirement for clearance - continues to grow, in response to an increasing demand for data to support complex analysis.

About the role

We are looking for students to undertake clearance checking of Data Lab outputs, to support the ABS to meet its legislative obligations with respect to data confidentiality.

Researchers who use the Data Lab undertake a large range of analysis, including frequency tables, descriptive statistics, regression analysis and other more complex analysis. This role involves investigating outputs from a range of research and clearing them in line with the Data Lab output rules. We require people who can use their judgement and statistical knowledge to assess what output rules should be applied and how to apply them. They will also provide confidentiality advice and guidance to clients and ABS staff. Additionally, successful applicants will apply technical knowledge to identify gaps in the Data Lab output rules and potential confidentiality risks.

Full support and training is provided. This work is conducted independently as part of a team of both other students and permanent staff. We are seeking students who can work part time, we can offer work hours are flexible and negotiable to fit in with your studies. After an onboarding period they role can be undertaken at home or in an ABS office.

What we are looking for (selection criteria)

To be successful you must have all or most of the following skills and experience:

• Curiosity, critical thinking and reasoning, with the ability to anticipate and analyse issues and develop logical conclusions
• Sound communication skills to clearly and accurately convey technical information
• Studying a degree with mathematics or statistics units (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Econometrics, Economics)
• At least first year mathematics/statistics units completed, and at least one year remaining on degree
• R, Stata or other programming study and/or experience is desirable

Further information

To be eligible for employment with us, you must be an Australian citizen.

If you are identified as the preferred applicant for a job, you will be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, which may include a police check.

This is a register that will be used to fill various Student Data Scientists and Student Analysts positions at the ABS. You will only be contacted should an opportunity arises matching your qualifications and/or skills and experience.

Note: For the best opportunity to be placed in a role, please ensure you keep your application up to date.

How to apply

You will need to upload your current resume, current transcript/academic results, referee details and respond to the below statement:

Please outline in no more than 300 words how you meet the qualities, experience and skills being sought (the selection criteria).

Applications close 11.30 p.m. AEST, Sunday 29 September 2024. No late applications will be accepted.
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