Associate Data Scientist

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 99,823 - 116,656; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California's Office of Institutional Research is seeking an Associate Data Scientist to design, build, and deploy analytics solutions that inform leaders and priorities. You will work with large datasets, modern tools, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver actionable insights through reports and dashboards.

Join a mission-driven team focused on data integrity, scalable workflows, and data-driven decision making to shape university strategy and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent).
• Minimum 2 years of experience in data science, data analytics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data analysis and manipulation.
• Experience working with relational and/or non-relational databases (MySQL, SQL Server, Snowflake, MongoDB).
• Experience performing data cleaning, transformation, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret medium to large datasets to support institutional decision making.
• Build, test, and optimize statistical, predictive, and machine learning models.
• Develop and deploy data pipelines, workflows, and automated processes.
• Partner with stakeholders to translate business needs into analytical solutions.
• Perform data cleansing, validation, and transformation to ensure data integrity.
• Design and evaluate experiments, including A/B testing methodologies.
• Create reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate insights clearly.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Maintain technical documentation and support continuous process improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data storytelling

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field

Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or related quantitative field

Tools

Python

SQL

MySQL

SQL Server

Snowflake

MongoDB

Job description

Associate Data Scientist (Institutional Research)

Shape Data-Driven Decision Making at USC. Join the University of Southern California's Office of Institutional Research to design, build, and deploy analytics solutions that inform university leadership and institutional priorities. Work with complex datasets, modern data tools, and cross-functional stakeholders in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret medium to large datasets to solve data analytic problems in support of institutional decision making.
• Build, test, and optimize statistical, predictive, and machine learning models.
• Develop and deploy data pipelines, workflows, and automated processes.
• Partner with stakeholders to translate business needs into analytical solutions.
• Perform data cleansing, validation, and transformation to ensure data integrity.
• Design and evaluate experiments, including A/B testing methodologies.
• Create reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate insights clearly.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Maintain technical documentation and support continuous process improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Experience building and maintaining ETL pipelines and data workflows.
• Experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow (DAG development).
• Experience with machine learning or statistical modeling techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, D3.js).
• Experience working with large-scale or enterprise datasets.
• Familiarity with Git, version control, and testing frameworks.
• Experience designing data architecture or automated data systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 2 years of experience in data science, data analytics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data analysis and manipulation.
• Experience working with relational and/or non-relational databases (MySQL, SQL Server, Snowflake, MongoDB).
• Experience performing data cleaning, transformation, and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze datasets and deliver actionable insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Commitment to USC Values

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Salary and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $99,823 – $116,656. USC considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, candidate experience, education, key skills, internal equity, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and market considerations when extending an offer.

USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a comprehensive benefits and perks package to support health, wealth, and future for employees and dependents.

Apply Now

If you are excited to solve complex data challenges and contribute to meaningful institutional impact, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.