Economic Research & Data Scientist

• An office unlike any other
• Full time, fixed term role from July 2026 – mid January 2028
• $103,908 + 12% superannuation

About the Opportunity

As part of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), the Economic Research & Data Scientist role delivers advanced data analytics that underpin AEDA’s Charter obligations and support the city’s business community with meaningful, evidence-based insights.

This position plays a pivotal role in collecting, maintaining and analysing complex datasets to inform strategies that drive the visitor economy, residential and retail growth, and business investment across the City of Adelaide. By ensuring data accuracy, innovation and automation, the role helps make quantitative information accessible and actionable for a wide range of stakeholders.

Working closely with colleagues across AEDA and Information Management, this role leads projects that integrate cloud platforms and automate data flows, while designing interactive dashboards, developing forecasting models and  proprietary methodologies like the AEDA Activity Level Barometer. The role is a key source of intelligence on city activity trends, regularly reporting on consumer expenditure, foot traffic, public transport, parking, and other economic indicators.

The Economic Research & Data Scientist contributes to program and event evaluations, corporate reporting and stakeholder engagement, ensuring AEDA’s initiatives are informed by high quality insights and robust economic analysis. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with strategic impact, supporting the growth and vitality of Adelaide’s economy.

To view the position description, please click here.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, particularly a combination of Data Science and Economics will be highly regarded. Qualifications in related fields such as Commerce, Mathematics, or equivalent demonstrated experience in lieu of formal qualifications will also be considered.
• Understanding of economic indicators at a capital city or LGA level.
• Ability to analyse data, find insights and present information concisely using Microsoft Excel, PowerBI, Tableau, coding languages such as Python, R, SQL, and new emerging tools. 
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Collecting, analysing and reporting on large economic data sets 
  • Identifying key issues and presenting recommendations in a concise and logical manner.
  • Preparing professional, robust and well regarded reports.
  • Writing and communicating to a business audience.

About Us

Located in the geographic heart of Kaurna Country, the City of Adelaide celebrates its cultural heritage, unique natural surrounds and structures its footprint in a way that allows it to adapt to the changing needs of the community and a dynamic global landscape. Our focus is on our community’s wellbeing and quality of life - investing in city improvements and on future planning, so we continue to design a liveable city where future generations can continue to live authentic and meaningful lives. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and be a bigger part of our amazing city!

The role of Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), a City of Adelaide (CoA) subsidiary, is to accelerate economic growth in the CoA by attracting investment and supporting businesses, growing the visitor economy, supporting residential growth, growing an annual events calendar and marketing the city as a whole.

For Further Enquiries & How to Apply

All enquiries regarding this position will remain private and confidential and can be directed to Anita Fairuz on 08 8203 7886.

Please submit a Resume and a Cover Letter expressing the skills, experience and qualities you can bring to this position addressed to Anita Fairuz, Advisor, Economic Research.

Please review the position description prior to submitting an application by following the prompts to apply.

For more information about what it’s like to work for the City of Adelaide, including the benefits, please visit www.cityofadelaide.com.au/careers

Applications close at 11.59pm, 21 May 2026.

Please be advised this is a full-time fixed term role until mid-January 2028 with a starting salary at the Level 6 classification commencing at $103,908 + 12% superannuation.

As part of the recruitment process candidates will be required to undertake a National Police Check.

We continue to work hard to ensure our recruitment process is safe for people of diverse backgrounds.

Please note, applications received via the email address below will not be considered. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. Our commitment to inclusivity means we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates from with a range of lived experiences. If you require assistance with our recruitment process, you are more than welcome to connect with our People Services team on (08) 8203 7333 recruitment@cityofadelaide.com.au