Data Scientist, Economics & AI (Ottawa (Downtown), ON, CA)

Data Scientist, Economics & AI

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

What you need to know

We are seeking a Data Scientist with expertise in economics, quantitative modelling, and emerging AI technologies to support economic research, policy analysis, and data-driven decision-making at the Bank of Canada. You will apply data science, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and quantitative methods to challenging economic and research problems, helping economists and researchers make effective use of modern analytical techniques and technologies.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Data Science, within the Department of Data and Digital Services (DDS), you will work at the intersection of economics, data science, and emerging technologies. Working closely with economists, researchers, business clients, and technology teams, you will develop analytical solutions, AI-enabled tools, and quantitative models that improve research, forecasting, policy analysis, and decision-making.

This role offers an opportunity to apply modern data science and AI approaches to meaningful economic and policy problems while contributing to the development of reusable analytical capabilities. You will work on high-impact initiatives, experiment with emerging methods and technologies, and help modernize analytical and research workflows across the organization.

What you will do

As a Data Scientist, you will contribute to analytical initiatives that support economic research, forecasting, policy analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. Drawing on your knowledge of economics, quantitative methods, and data science, you will work across the analytical lifecycle to develop practical, high-quality solutions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing, developing, testing, and implementing statistical, econometric, ML, and AI models to address economic, research, and policy questions.
• Developing AI-enabled applications, analytical tools, reusable components, and data products that improve research, modelling, forecasting, and analytical workflows.
• Applying LLMs, generative AI, and emerging AI approaches to practical research and analytical use cases, including prototyping, experimentation, evaluation, and implementation.
• Working with structured and unstructured data, including preparing, transforming, validating, exploring, and analyzing datasets for modelling and research.
• Collaborating with economists, researchers, business stakeholders, and technology teams to understand analytical needs and translate them into effective data science solutions.
• Communicating analytical findings, methodologies, assumptions, limitations, and results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Applying sound practices for reproducible research, model validation, responsible AI, explainability, documentation, and analytical quality.
• Exploring and evaluating emerging AI, ML, and analytical techniques and applying them where they can improve economic analysis, research methods, forecasting, or productivity.

What you need to succeed

You are a collaborative and curious data scientist who enjoys using quantitative methods and technology to solve challenging analytical problems. You combine strong technical skills with an understanding of economic and research contexts and can translate analytical questions into practical solutions.

You are comfortable working independently on complex assignments while collaborating closely with economists, researchers, data scientists, and technology specialists. You are an analytical problem solver and continuous learner who can adapt methods and tools as technologies and research needs evolve.

You bring:

• Hands-on experience designing and delivering econometric and economic models using statistical, ML, and AI techniques to support economic research, policy analysis, forecasting, and other quantitative applications.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative methods, with experience in areas such as econometrics, forecasting, statistical modelling, machine learning, or AI.
• Experience applying large language models (LLMs), generative AI, or other emerging AI technologies to analytical, research, or decision-support use cases.
• Proficiency with programming languages or analytical computing environments such as Python, MATLAB, R, or similar tools.
• Experience working with modern analytics platforms such as Azure, Databricks, or equivalent environments.
• Experience working across the data science lifecycle, including data preparation, exploration, modelling, evaluation, and implementation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain analytical approaches and results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice-to-Have

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Economic research, forecasting, policy analysis, or quantitative economic modelling.
• Time-series analysis, econometric estimation, or simulation methods.
• Building AI-enabled analytical applications or research tools.
• Working with economists, researchers, business partners, and technology teams in multidisciplinary environments.

Education and Experience

This position requires a master’s degree or higher in economics, econometrics, statistics, mathematics, data science, computer science, or a related quantitative discipline, along with a minimum of four years of relevant experience applying quantitative methods, including statistical modelling, econometrics, ML, AI, or related analytical techniques, in support of economic research, policy analysis, forecasting, or evidence-based decision-making. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may also be considered.

Innovative Mindset

We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things. 

Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French. Although the position language requirement is English or French essential, we do encourage everyone to improve their second language proficiency for future career growth and to contribute towards fostering a bilingual environment.

What you need to know

• • Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Reliability 
  • Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. 
  • The official title for this position is “Data Scientist ”

Hybrid Work Model

The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.  

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• • Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $96,077 to $113,032 (job grade 16)
  • The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  5 to 7% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (3%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
  • Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health and dental coverage that meets your needs
  • Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
  • Option to join the indexed, defined-benefit pension plan after 24 consecutive months of service

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.