Senior Data Scientist| Kaiputaiao Raraunga Matua

Fixed Term/Secondment opportunity till June 2029

Background on the work programme

The mission of the Code Modules Initiative is to make New Zealand's integrated data assets easier to use, and understandable for everyone, including non-technical people.

Following a successful pilot in 2022, this work has attracted the backing of government agencies and non-government users who see value in creating reusable data tools, called "code modules", that contain high-quality code and documentation for foundational measures needed by researchers and statistical producers. These include concepts such as benefit receipt, migration status, highest qualification, employment status, and total income. The initiative is now expanding to support the growing demands on administrative data from delivery of the Social Investment approach, and shifts toward greater use of administrative data in the production of official statistics.

As part of the Modernising IDI programme, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of the Code Modules capability. This includes expanding the suite of available modules, strengthening stewardship and governance arrangements, and supporting the transition of code modules and associated workflows to future analytical platforms, including Databricks.

The role \| Te tunga

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced data scientist who enjoys building practical solutions that make a real difference.

As a Senior Data Scientist within the Code Modules team, you'll play a central role in developing and maintaining reusable data products that support integrated data research and statistical production across Aotearoa New Zealand. You'll work closely with the Principal Data Scientist and Technical Lead to deliver a growing portfolio of code modules that improve consistency, transparency, and efficiency for researchers and analysts.

A key focus of the role will be hands-on development. You'll contribute to the delivery of 15 to 30 new or upgraded code modules each year, supporting every stage of the module lifecycle from inception and commissioning through to development, deployment, and stewardship. You'll also help maintain and improve an existing library of approximately 70 modules, ensuring they remain fit-for-purpose and valuable for users.

Alongside delivery, you'll contribute to improving how we work. You'll help identify opportunities to streamline development processes, strengthen quality assurance practices, improve documentation standards, and support the transition of the Code Modules capability into future-state environments including Databricks.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, data science, and official statistics while helping shape nationally significant data assets used across government and the wider research community.

What you bring \| Nou te rourou

• A tertiary qualification in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a related field
• Five or more years' experience in quantitative or qualitative research, analytics, data science, or statistical analysis.
• Strong database analytics and statistical programming skills, particularly SQL and R.
• Experience developing robust, reusable analytical code and documentation.
• Strong attention to quality, testing, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to apply best practice and contribute ideas for improving existing methods, tools, and processes.
• Experience collaborating with technical stakeholders to solve complex problems.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to building knowledge of te ao M ori, tikanga M ori, and te reo M ori.
• Knowledge of integrated data environments such as the IDI, or experience working with large administrative datasets, would be advantageous.
• Experience with Databricks or cloud-based analytics platforms would be beneficial.

We recognise that valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in academia, government, technology, consulting, public service, community leadership, volunteering, or wh nau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full, unique self to your application

For all our roles, we're looking for people who:

• Act with integrity, take responsibility, and do what's right even when it's hard.
• Understand the "why" behind their work and focus on delivering real value.
• Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Build respectful and inclusive relationships grounded in care for others.
• Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes.

We don't expect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.

About Us \| Ko m tou

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, its our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it.

The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and plays an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment.

Were proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high-quality data with equitable access for all.

Whats in it for you? \| Ng hua ka riro ki a koe

Take a look at our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about our organisational values: He pewhea t tou tikanga mahi \| The way we work.

Some key benefits include:

• 37.5 hours work week.
• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care)
• 3 extra days off (taken during end-of-year office closure).
• Annual flu vaccines.
• Funded counselling and coaching through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Visual and hearing health benefits (for permanent kaimahi).
• Corporate rates for a variety of services and products.
• Study assistance programmes.
• Ropu Waiata weekly cross agency connection.
• An active social club in each office.

Salary range for this position: $97,270 - $131,601 + kiwisaver

How to apply \| Me pehea te tuku tono

Sound like you? Click Apply now to be redirected to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.

Our process is to screen applications as we receive them, so we move to interview stage quickly. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video.

Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any p tai / questions.

Note to recruitment agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.