Data Scientist
Rochester, NY
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general direction and with considerable latitude for exercising independent initiative and judgment, the Data Scientist reports to the Director of the Office for Data Insights (ODI), working within a broader framework of reporting areas that include the Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC), Office of Institutional Research (OIR), and University Information Technology (UIT). ODI is responsible for providing advanced analytics, including modeling and simulation, to provide leadership with the information and insights required to make evidence-based decisions. As a member of this team, the Data Scientist will play a pivotal role in leveraging data analytics and machine learning techniques to support critical institutional initiatives.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop end-to-end solutions, including collection of data in both structured and unstructured formats, data preparation and preprocessing, identification of appropriate statistical models and methods to employ, testing, evaluation, deployment, reporting, and maintenance.
Apply statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques to uncover and evaluate patterns, trends and relationships within complex institutional data.
Develop and implement predictive models, recommendation systems, and other advanced algorithms to optimize student outcomes, research productivity, and other facets of institutional operations.
Collaborate with data engineers in UIT to design and maintain data pipelines for robust and reproducible processing and analysis.
Deliver data and analyses using informative data visualizations and interactive dashboards using both open-source and commercially available visualization and dashboard tools.
Derive insights and analytical narratives from data and visualizations for effective storytelling and clear communication in response to research questions.
Collaborate with other reporting units to identify opportunities for using data science to enhance student services, institutional effectiveness, and strategic planning.
Conduct ad hoc analyses that address critical business questions and provide recommendations to the team.
Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and higher-education analytics, and propose innovative solutions to address emerging challenges.
Mentor and guide ODI student interns to provide a representation of practical applications within the discipline, including training and orientation, project guidance, and encouragement to think critically.
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in data science, mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
1-2 years of related work experience
Experience in applied statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques.
Experience in a higher education setting.
Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fluency in the use of R in data science, including project-focused programming using appropriate data science packages (caret, Prophet, purr, etc.) required.
Demonstrated skills in the production of dashboards that illustrate data science products using R Shiny, Observable (or d3.js equivalent), Plotly, or advanced Tableau capabilities required.
Demonstrated ability to leverage SQL to harmonize large data sets, including the use of Google Big Query required.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations required.
Strong consultative skillset including the ability to cultivate productive relationships with individuals and departments across the university required.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Pay Range
Pay Range: $ 58,800 - $ 82,300 Annually
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Location: Central Administration
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 053 Office for Data Insights
Schedule: 8 AM-5 PM