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

Senior 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 Senior Data Scientist with strong economics and quantitative modelling expertise to help shape the future of economic research, policy analysis, and data-driven decision-making at the Bank of Canada. You will provide technical and methodological leadership in applying advanced analytics, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and quantitative methods to complex economic research and policy challenges. Your work will influence analytical practices, strengthen organizational capabilities, and support evidence-based decisions across the Bank’s policy and research functions.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Data Science, within the Department of Data and Digital Services (DDS), you will bring together economics, data science, and emerging technologies. Partnering closely with economists, researchers, business clients, and technology teams, you will develop and apply advanced analytical solutions, AI-enabled tools, and modelling capabilities that enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and productivity of research, policy analysis, and decision-making. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how advanced analytics and AI are adopted across the organization, helping modernize research and analytical practices while contributing to high-impact initiatives that matter to Canadians. Through your expertise, you will contribute to building new, sustainable analytical capabilities that support the organization's long-term research, policy, and strategic objectives.

What you will do

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will lead complex analytical initiatives that advance economic research, forecasting, policy analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. Drawing on expertise in economics, data science, and emerging technologies, you will provide technical and methodological leadership while strengthening the Bank’s AI and data science capabilities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design, development, validation, deployment, and operationalization of statistical, econometric, ML, and AI models that address complex economic, research, and policy questions.
• Building AI-enabled applications, analytical tools, reusable frameworks, and scalable data products that improve research, modelling, forecasting, and decision-making workflows.
• Partnering with economists, researchers, business stakeholders, and technology teams to identify, prioritize, and implement opportunities where data science and AI can improve analytical outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Translating analytical findings into actionable insights and clearly communicating methodologies, assumptions, limitations, and results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Providing technical and methodological guidance, mentoring team members, and supporting the successful delivery of complex analytical initiatives.
• Establishing and promoting best practices in reproducible research, model governance, responsible AI, model explainability, documentation, and analytical quality.
• Evaluating emerging AI, ML, and analytical methods and guiding their appropriate adoption to strengthen economic models, research methodologies, forecasting approaches, and decision-making workflows.

What you need to succeed

You are a collaborative and innovative data scientist with strong expertise in economics and quantitative modelling. You combine deep technical knowledge and sound methodological judgment with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, influence stakeholders, and translate economic research and policy challenges into impactful analytical solutions.

You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and working in complex environments. You continuously expand your knowledge of emerging AI and data science methods and contribute to a culture of learning, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

You bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading complex analytical projects and delivering impactful business, policy, or research outcomes.
• Expertise in econometrics, forecasting, statistical modelling, ML, AI, and quantitative analysis.
• Experience applying large language models (LLMs), generative AI, agentic AI systems, or other emerging AI technologies to research, analytical, or decision-support use cases.
• Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical computing tools.
• Experience working with cloud-based analytics platforms such as Azure, Databricks, or equivalent environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience contributing to economic research, forecasting studies, policy papers, or other analytical publications that support evidence-based decision-making.

Nice-to- Have

• Experience:
  • designing enterprise analytical solutions or analytical platforms.
  • supporting AI adoption initiatives and organizational capability development.
  • leading cross‑functional collaborations involving business partners, researchers, and technology teams.

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 six years of experience applying advanced quantitative methods, including ML, AI, statistical modelling, and econometrics, in support of economic policy, research, 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 “Senior 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 $111,051 to $130,649 (job grade 17)
• The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) 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, dental disability and life and/or accident insurance coverage that meets your needs
• Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
• Indexed, defined-benefit pension

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