Job Overview & Organization Mission

Integrate longitudinal health, education, and taxation microdata assets using probabilistic record linkage at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is seeking a Senior Data Linkage & Microdata Analytics Specialist (APS EL1) to join our Data Integration division at 100 Market Street, Sydney. You will lead the deterministic and probabilistic record linkage for Australia’s flagship integrated data assets (Person Level Integrated Data Asset – PLIDA, and BLADE), enabling researchers and government to evaluate social policies safely under the Five Safes framework.

As a key member of the team at Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in Sydney, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Design and: Design and execute high-precision deterministic and probabilistic record linkage on massive administrative datasets.
• Develop privacy-preserving: Develop privacy-preserving record linkage algorithms utilizing cryptographic hashing and pseudonymization.
• Evaluate linkage: Evaluate linkage accuracy, false-positive error rates, and clerical review samples to maximize data quality.
• Administer secure: Administer secure microdata access protocols compliant with the Data Availability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) and Five Safes.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with Commonwealth researchers to formulate linked data research cohorts and statistical outputs.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or Econometrics.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 5+ years of experience in data linkage, statistical integration, or complex data manipulation with large administrative records.
• Advanced scripting proficiency in Python, R, or SQL for big data analytics.
• Deep understanding of privacy principles, data confidentiality, and statistical disclosure control.
• Australian Citizenship (mandatory for Australian Public Service employment).

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$130,000 – AU$155,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $130,000 – $155,000 + 15.4% APS superannuation.
• Central 100 Market Street Sydney CBD office with complete hybrid work flexibility.
• Substantial job security, generous public service leave entitlements, and professional development.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

The ABS leads national data integration, linking complex datasets to unlock vital evidence-based public policy insights.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) careers gateway.