Principal Data Scientist, Healthcare Innovations

Corporate Data & Analytics Data Science Machine Learning AI Development Research Healthcare Analytics

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Summary

Principal Data Scientist position with American Institutes for Research's Healthcare Innovations team, leading complex data science projects that address healthcare quality, costs, and access challenges. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on technical expertise to generate evidence-driven solutions in health and social sciences.

Key Responsibilities: Lead strategic vision and execution of AIR's most complex, high-impact data science projects and design cutting-edge analytical frameworks including AI/ML models. Serve as senior technical advisor across research domains and mentor junior data scientists while managing cross-functional teams.

Skills & Tools: Advanced proficiency in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data visualization with strong Python, R, SQL, and cloud computing expertise. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical findings to non-technical stakeholders and lead collaborative, mission-driven projects.

Qualifications: Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in data science, statistics, computer science, or related field with 8+ years of professional data science experience in research or healthcare. Proven track record of leading large-scale projects and developing scalable analytical solutions.

Location: US-Remote with optional office locations in Arlington (VA), Chapel Hill (NC), Chicago (IL), Sacramento (CA), or Austin (TX)

Compensation: $150,000 – $185,000 USD/year

Job Description

Join AIR as a Principal Data Scientist with our Healthcare Innovations team. Our team works collaboratively to unravel the intertwined challenges of health care quality, costs, and access. Our team of experts – nurses, physicians, psychologists, economists, sociologists, data scientists, and public health experts – advance evidence and save lives by leading rigorous research and evaluation; results-driven technical assistance and training; and leading-edge data science and technology tools.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

Lead the strategic vision and execution of AIR’s most complex and high-impact data science projects.
Design and implement cutting-edge analytical frameworks, including AI/ML models, to extract insights from diverse and high-dimensional datasets.
Serve as a senior technical advisor across AIR’s research domains, including education, health, workforce, and international development.
Spearhead the integration of novel data sources (e.g., geospatial, unstructured, real-time) into AIR’s research and evaluation efforts.
Guide the development of scalable data pipelines and reproducible research environments.
Represent AIR in external forums, including conferences, advisory boards, and collaborative partnerships.
Author influential publications and thought leadership pieces that advance the field of data science for social good.
Mentor senior data scientists and technical staff, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and career growth.
Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with economists, policy researchers, and technologists to deliver integrated solutions. Drive business development efforts, including proposal strategy, client engagement, and partnership cultivation.
Ensure ethical and responsible use of data and algorithms in all phases of research and product development.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Computational Social Science, or a related field.
Minimum of 11 years of experience applying advanced data science techniques to real-world problems, preferably in public policy or social impact domains.
Deep expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and statistical modeling.
Proven track record of leading large-scale, interdisciplinary data science projects.
Experience with cloud computing, big data technologies, and scalable infrastructure.
Familiarity with ethical AI principles and data governance frameworks.
Strong publication record and external visibility in the data science community.

Skills

Visionary leadership and strategic thinking.
Advanced proficiency in Python, R, and other relevant programming languages.
Expertise in data visualization, storytelling, and communicating complex findings to diverse audiences.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Commitment to equity, transparency, and innovation in data science.

Disclosures: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

Anticipated Annual Salary Range

$150,000—$185,000 USD