Principal Data Scientist

Job Description

• Full-time, Ongoing position at HEW Level 9.
• Penrith campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $139,747 – $149,238 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead student load forecasting to inform enrolment, funding, financial and strategic planning across the University.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead the University’s student load forecasting capability, delivering reliable projections and scenario analysis that inform enrolment, financial and strategic planning. Working under broad direction from the Director, Insights, Analysis & Reporting, you will take accountability for the design, delivery and quality assurance of institutional forecasting models.

You will develop forecasting methodologies that bring together student demand, progression and institutional planning assumptions. Applying advanced statistical modelling, programming and data management expertise, you will evaluate uncertainty, resolve complex analytical issues and ensure forecasts are transparent, defensible and fit for purpose.

You will work across academic and professional portfolios to evaluate and reconcile planning assumptions. You will provide clear, authoritative advice to senior leaders and governance committees on forecast outcomes and their implications for enrolment, funding and financial planning. You will also establish forecasting standards, direct specialist technical contributions and strengthen the University’s forecasting capability.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver timely student load forecasts and scenarios that support institutional planning and decision-making.
• Establish robust forecasting methodologies, validation processes and governance standards.
• Reconcile complex planning assumptions across academic and professional portfolios.
• Provide clear advice on forecast uncertainty and its enrolment, funding and financial implications.
• Strengthen forecasting capability by directing technical work and delivering continuous improvement.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A relevant postgraduate qualification with extensive experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and advanced professional expertise.
• Extensive experience leading complex forecasting or analytical modelling in a large organisation.
• Advanced expertise in statistical modelling, scenario analysis and the evaluation and communication of uncertainty.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex analysis into clear advice.
• Advanced programming and data management skills relevant to enterprise forecasting and analytical systems.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Nilisha Mathias, Director, Insights, Analysis & Reporting via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1920E.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Thursday 15 October 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.