Data Scientist Lead

New Zealand Institute For Public Health And Forensic Science

Job Location:

Wellington - New Zealand

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 todays 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 Sciences 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 Masters 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 withMLOpsand LLM-powered AI services and workflows.
Highly skilled in HPC and/or Cloud environments and the ability to developscientific/numerical programming
Highlyproficiencyin 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 inscientific 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

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

Required Experience:

Data Science LeadTe tūnga The roleWe 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 todays boundaries. This is so we can see beyond the horizon into the future and driv...