• Insights and Analytics Unit, Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay Campus
• Level 8, $ 111,613 - $126,406 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 9 months

The Opportunity

As a Senior Data Scientist at the University of the Sunshine Coast, you’ll play a key role in helping students succeed. Using advanced machine learning techniques, you’ll analyse data from Learning Management Systems and administrative platforms to identify students at risk and enable timely, personalised support. Your work will directly reduce failure rates and enhance the student experience. You’ll also help optimise the use of artificial intelligence through our Synapse platform, applying advanced analytics to deliver valuable insights and services for both students and staff. This is your chance to make a real impact in a forward-thinking academic environment.

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

You will

• use machine learning to spot early signs of academic risk, helping students stay on track;
• harness AI tools like Synapse and Notebooks to deliver smart, personalised support when it’s needed most; and
• keep refining predictive models to drive better outcomes for students and shape the future of student success.

About you

You're someone who enjoys working with data to make a real difference. With experience in predictive modelling and AI tools like Synapse and Notebooks, you can bring together insights from multiple sources to help identify students who may need extra support. You’re comfortable working with academic and support teams to ensure data-driven interventions are both effective and practical. You take a thoughtful and responsible approach to data, keeping security, privacy, and ethical use front of mind. You’re also keen to refine and improve your models over time, making sure they stay relevant and continue to support student success. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

You will possess:

• Experience using Python, R, or similar languages to analyse data and build machine learning models.
• Confidence working with large, complex datasets from multiple sources, including Learning Management Systems and administrative platforms.
• An understanding of learning analytics and the early signs that a student may be at risk, such as attendance, engagement, and grades.
• The ability to communicate complex data insights in a clear, meaningful way for non-technical audiences.
• Awareness of data privacy principles and the ethical use of AI in learning analytics.

Desirable:

• Experience with Synapse and Notebooks for data analysis and machine learning.
• An understanding of the higher education landscape, particularly the challenges around student retention and success.

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:  493030_position description.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, Wednesday 9 April 2025

Your completed application must include:

• a 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:

Lei Zhao, Senior Lead, Data Analytics
Insights and Analytics Unit
Telephone: 07 5456 5483
Email: lzhao@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.