Principal Data Scientist

Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear is dedicated to helping people with moderate to profound hearing loss experience a world full of sound. We aim to transform the way people understand and treat hearing loss and innovate to connect people with future technologies. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping more people to experience a lifetime of hearing.

The Opportunity

Cochlear has an opportunity for a full-time Principal Data Scientist role based in our Macquarie, Sydney office to lead the development and integration of data science capabilities across R&D. You will guide the development of data strategies, mentor a growing guild of data scientists, and drive key cross-functional initiatives that enhance our product ecosystem. This role is essential in delivering next-generation AI-enabled tools to improve hearing outcomes, surgical guidance, and audiologist support. You will work at the intersection of innovation, technology, and patient-centric healthcare.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring a cross-functional community of R&D data scientists through a technical guild

• Driving the development and implementation of AI-enabled features across medical products and services

• Ensuring compliance with Good Machine Learning Practices (GMLP) and relevant AI regulations in a regulated medical device environment

• Shaping Cochlear’s data science strategy in alignment with product and research innovation roadmaps

• Collaborating with internal and external partners to build shared data lake infrastructures for research and product use

• Supporting key research partnerships and participating in data-rich innovation projects

• Acting as a technical expert and contributor to select R&D initiatives in surgical algorithms, hearing outcomes, or rehabilitation tools

• Coordinating cross-functional data infrastructure projects across IT, Quality, Clinical, and Marketing teams

What makes this opportunity unique?  

This role offers the chance to significantly contribute to Cochlear’s global innovation roadmap through advanced data science. You will be integral in transforming real-world insights into breakthrough solutions that improve the lives of people with hearing loss.

About You

To add value to Cochlear in this role, you'll be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

Essential Skills:

• Data science experience in the Healthcare industry (>5y), preferably within medical devices for chronic disease, with proven research credentials.

• Technical expertise in machine learning, statistical methods, and data pipeline architecture.

• High creativity and a strong track record of innovation.

• Strong planning and execution abilities in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to align diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Leadership skills both as a manager and influencer across functional boundaries.

• Strategic thinking and ability to translate product visions into technical roadmaps.

• Experience managing collaborative research and data infrastructure projects.

• Agile mindset with the ability to balance speed and regulatory quality.

• Willingness to travel significantly to engage with partners and stakeholders.

Ideal Skills:

• Post-graduate qualification in data science, machine learning, statistics, or related technical discipline.

• Proven strategic foresight and long-term planning capabilities.

• Familiarity with intellectual property (IP) creation and technology evaluation.

• 5+ years of project management experience.

• Experience working across IT, Clinical, Regulatory, and Marketing teams.

• Expertise designing and implementing end-to-end data systems for research or product development.

•  Strong public speaking and presentation skills for both technical and general audiences.

•  Knowledge in audiology, hearing science, or hearing implant solutions.

If you feel that you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role and take on new challenges to build your career with Cochlear, please start your application by clicking the apply button below.

#CochlearCareers

How we recognise your contribution

At Cochlear we value and welcome the unique contributions, perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our employees and aim to build a culture that celebrates and leverages these differences, creating a sense of belonging and enabling our people to realise their full potential. Through our internal programs and employee benefits, we aim to create an environment where our people will feel value and supported. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or simply finding an environment which enables you to thrive whilst balancing family or personal life commitments, then we have several programs in place to support you.

For more information about Life at Cochlear, visit www.cochlearcareers.com