Data Scientist

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians.  Along with our partners, including Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre, we’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference. 
 

About Our Opportunity

The Department of Health and Wellness is expanding its policy development and strategic planning capacity through an increased use of advanced analytics to drive insight and to incorporate a broader use of varied data resources. This position will take a leadership role in expanding the Department’s capabilities in this area. 
 

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Director of Performance & Accountability, you will work with a dynamic, collegial and committed team that provides analytical and applied research services for driving change.  You will lead data-driven projects, applying sophisticated analytics techniques at every stage: data exploration, design and evaluation of methods and models; and communicate results to internal and external stakeholders. 

You will strengthen the use of advanced analytics to inform investment, strategic planning and policy development, responding to the health needs of Nova Scotians and aligning with the overall strategic vision and mission of the Department. 

You will expand not only the Department’s capabilities, but advance strategy on performance monitoring, and the use of new sources of information.  You will use advanced analytics technologies to leverage structured and unstructured data from a variety of internal and external sources.  You will find creative ways to develop tools and services that drive innovation. 

As a Data Scientist, you will also: 

• Act as a subject matter expert in the areas of data science, advanced analytics, and new analytics technologies 
• Apply, adapt and design computational architectures and approaches for the statistical analysis of health data 
• Leverage extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced analytic methods and algorithms 
• Keep current with industry and academic developments 
• Apply data visualization techniques to present the results of statistical analysis 
• Play a key role in applied research projects linked to the provincial health system 
• Support the development of a broader analytics strategy and capability in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners 
• Work in collaboration with Performance & Accountability Team members, seeking and providing feedback on work under development. 
• Work with a team of analysts to foster their professional development. 

Qualifications and Experience

A completed Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related discipline such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics with at least 5 years of recent relevant experience, including experience leading project teams. 

We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist who has excellent analytical research and problem-solving skills, enjoys working in an innovation environment, and is a self-starter. 

As a successful Data Scientist, you:  

• Are an effective communicator who can share and adapt information and ideas to the target audience, using clear and compelling written and oral communication skills; 
• Possess knowledge and experience in collecting, organizing and manipulating large data sets; 
• Have hands-on experience with statistical and quantitative analysis, scientific programming languages and libraries, and data visualization tools. 
• Are able to demonstrate your experience with advanced analytics projects, including designing methodologies, conducting analysis and interpreting results. 

Considered an asset if you have:  

• Knowledge of health systems, health policy, health economics and/or population health

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks. 

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of July 1, 2026. 

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.