Data Science Associate (Part-Time)

American Institutes for Research; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research is seeking a part-time Data Science Associate for its Tek Office to join a team of data scientists and software engineers. The role focuses on building data pipelines, visualizations, and data-driven solutions across web, mobile, analytics, and data management platforms.

Engagements are project-based and part-time, flexible by project needs, with a hybrid arrangement including AIR’s Crystal City office.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science-related fields and enrolled in a PhD program.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure); Azure OpenAI API exposure preferred.
• Strong communication across all organizational levels and virtual environments.

Responsibilities

• Build cloud applications and data pipelines using PaaS and open-source tools.
• Develop visualizations, dashboards, and reports using open-source or BI tools.
• Support data collection, validation, interpretation, and analysis using standard methods.
• Assist with modeling and forecasting using standard software packages.
• Contribute to quantitative/qualitative analysis and document code clearly.

Skills

Python

MySQL

MS SQL Server

Cloud platforms

Python web frameworks

Generative AI

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Master's degree in CS-related field (Data Science / Data Eng / CS)

Tools

Azure OpenAI API

Azure / AWS / GCP

Job description

AIR’s Tek Office is seeking a part-time Data Science Associate to join its forward-thinking and innovative team of data scientists and software engineers. Our team works on innovative projects that advance our organization and partners with clients to deliver innovative data collection, communication, learning, user experience, and data-driven solutions across web, mobile, analytics, and data management platforms. Data scientists at AIR use a blend of technology skills and theory to contribute to cutting-edge research design, implementation, and capacity building.

Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs.

This remote position requires flexibility to work from AIR’s Crystal City office. This part-time position is expected to run from September 2026 through May 2027.

About AIR

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a non-partisan, 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

• Build cloud applications and data pipelines using platform-as-a-service and/or open-source tools.
• Develop visualizations, dashboards, and reports using open-source and/or business intelligence tools.
• Support efforts to collect, compile, validate, interpret, and analyze data using standard practices and techniques.
• Assist with computer modeling and simple to moderately complex forecasting using standard software packages.
• Contribute to quantitative and/or qualitative analysis using standard techniques and methods. Work independently and collaboratively on moderately complex assignments under indirect supervision.
• Create replicable, well-documented code in a shared environment.
• Coordinate project support needs and requests from senior management and clients.
• Develop systems to maintain and verify the accuracy of data for assigned projects.
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects.
• Present and occasionally support or organize content for internal and external meetings.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for research applications.
• Review and optimize code written by others.
• Provide innovative and appropriate solutions to complex problems.
• The scope of responsibilities may be modified as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Master’s degree in computer science-related fields (e.g., Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science) and enrolled in a PhD program.
• Experience with cloud platforms including AWS, GCP, and Azure; hands-on exposure to Azure OpenAI API is preferred, but not required.

Skills

• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to apply creative problem-solving techniques.
• Strong communicator with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels and diverse backgrounds, including virtual environments, and to convey complex technical concepts clearly and accurately in plain language.
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively in cross-functional teams and contribute to shared goals in a virtual environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working in dynamic environments and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Proficient with database technologies such as MySQL and MS SQL Server.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and applications for practical use cases.
• Knowledge of Python web frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask) is advantageous.
• Interest in exploring and developing innovative tools for data-driven applications.

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 any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. 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 [e-mail] or call 202.403.5000.

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 Hourly Rate Range $45 - $50 USD