About Orygen
Orygen is Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the largest translational research organisation dedicated to youth mental health in the world.
For over 30 years, Orygen has led groundbreaking early intervention and developed evidence-based models of care to improve the mental health outcomes of young people aged 12-25.
About the job
Orygen Digital sits where world‑leading mental health research meets real digital products used by thousands of young people. The Senior Data Scientist - AI turns cutting‑edge research into production features, leading AI design within cross‑disciplinary squads and driving rigorous evaluation, partnerships, and research translation across the organisation.
Reporting to the Chief of Orygen Digital you will:
- Develop AI‑driven product features that personalise mental health support, evaluate safety and effectiveness, and stay aligned with emerging research.
- Translate applied AI research into production‑ready models and analytics, contributing to publications, grants, and cross‑team collaboration.
- Support strong project delivery through reporting, teamwork, stakeholder engagement, mentoring, and active participation in the research community.
- Apply ethical, evidence‑based practice with a focus on safety, equity, privacy, and the needs of young people using our products.
- Contribute to a collaborative culture by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and helping shape thoughtful, high‑quality AI work across Orygen Digital.
Skills and experience
The following criteria must be met for consideration for this position:
- PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Data Analysis or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
- Applied AI expertise using modern AI/ML frameworks in mental health contexts, with strong Python and research‑aligned development skills.
- Responsible AI capability including privacy‑preserving data handling, safety evaluation, and sensitivity to vulnerable populations.
- Clear technical communication demonstrated through publications, presentations, collaboration, and the ability to explain complex models to diverse audiences.
- Leadership and teamwork shown through supervising junior staff, building partnerships, and working independently and collaboratively to deliver research and product goals.
Benefits
- Salary between $155,000 - $165,000 p.a commensurate with skills and experience+ 12% superannuation and $15,900 in NFP salary packaging + $2,600 meals and entertainment card.
- Embrace the freedom of a work from home model.
- Make a real impact on young people in a dynamic, youth-centered environment.
- Support Orygen's mission for youth mental health and contribute to positive social change.
How to apply
If you’re ready to make a difference in youth mental health and be part of a collaborative, innovative team, apply now.
For the full position description, visit https://www.orygen.org.au/getmedia/b94d3115-d87e-4638-9483-922c6cf15009/Nexus-AI-Engineer-PD-June-26.pdf.aspx
This is full-time, 2-year contract.
Applications will close on 25th July (2pm), unless a suitable candidate is found sooner.
Before applying at Orygen, it’s important to understand that you may encounter sensitive information related to mental health as part of your work. Being aware of this and how it could affect you is essential in deciding if this is the right opportunity for you.
Orygen is committed to providing diverse, equitable and inclusive environments for Staff and anyone connected to Orygen. We strive to continue building a culturally safe workplace where our values underpin the way we work and our commitment to First Nations people of Australia, young people and their families, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ people and CALD communities. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people.
Orygen is a child-safe organisation and is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and well-being of all young people and embedding safeguarding practices into all our programs and services. All employment appointments are subject to holding a valid working with children check and successful police check.