Data Science Lead

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

FSA

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Data Science Lead within University Data and Analytics to advance data and analytics capabilities. You will oversee a small team of data scientists, guiding development of advanced analytical solutions and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

Responsibilities include coordinating projects, applying AI/ML methods, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver actionable insights for planning and decision-making.

Qualifications

• Data science experience applying predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning to complex data.
• Programming in Python, R, SAS, or similar languages for data science.
• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities; experience supervising professionals.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize predictive models and AI/ML solutions.
• Supervise and support the Data Science Team with day-to-day leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver analytical products and insights.
• Coordinate data science projects, track progress, and manage risks.
• Ensure responsible data practices including governance, security, privacy.

Skills

Data science experience

Python

R

Statistical methods

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

AWS/Azure/Snowflake

Job description

About the Department

University Data and Analytics (UDA) is NC State’s institutional research office and the responsible unit for university-level data and analytics.
UDA is committed to:

• Empowering leaders and decision makers with the accurate, timely, and actionable information needed to advance the university’s mission;
• Maximizing the value and availability of institutional data resources for the broader NC State community; and
• Providing NC State’s stakeholders, partners, and external organizations with official university data.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Data Science Lead will play a pivotal role in advancing NC State’s data and analytics capabilities. Applying advanced analytical and statistical techniques, methods, and tools, this role will develop and implement predictive models and other sophisticated analytics solutions. Working within University Data and Analytics (UDA), the Data Science Lead oversees a specialized team of up to three data scientists dedicated to developing and delivering analytical products and services that provide actionable insights, drive strategic decision-making, and enhance overall institutional effectiveness.
As the Data Science Lead, you will oversee a small team of data scientists responsible for developing advanced analytical solutions that support institutional planning and decision-making at NC State. You will apply statistical methods, predictive modeling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to analyze complex university data and address institutional needs and uncover insights that support better outcomes. Additionally, you will coordinate data science projects, collaborate with partners across University Data and Analytics (UDA), and provide day-to-day leadership and supervision of the Data Science team.

Key Impact Areas include:

• Develop Advanced Analytics Solutions: Design, develop, and optimize predictive models, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, and other advanced analytics to address university needs and support institutional decision-making.
• Supervise and Support the Data Science Team: Provide day-to-day supervision and leadership for the Data Science team, including coordinating work assignments, setting team priorities, coaching and developing staff, managing performance, and supporting a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and high-quality work.
• Collaborate Across UDA: Partner with Institutional Reporting, Research and Analysis, Business Intelligence, Data Governance, UDA leadership, and other stakeholders to provide data science expertise and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Coordinate Data Science Projects: Coordinate the execution of data science initiatives by tracking project progress, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, managing project timelines and risks, and supporting alignment with UDA and institutional priorities.
• Support Responsible and Reliable Data Science Practices: Apply appropriate practices for model development and evaluation, data governance, security, privacy, and ethical use to support accurate, reliable, and responsible analytical solutions.

If you are a person who has strong technical data science expertise, experience working with complex data and analytical problems, and the ability to supervise and support a small team of data scientists, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

Perform other related duties as assigned or required to support the work of University Data and Analytics and university priorities.

Minimum Education and Experience

Master’s degree in data science, business analytics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, or a related quantitative field and two years of relevant experience; or Bachelor’s degree with at least three years’ of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Data science experience applying predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning to complex data and real-world problems.
• Programming expertise in Python, R, SAS, or a comparable language used for data science and advanced analytics.
• Knowledge of statistical methods, data modeling, and data preparation techniques used to produce reliable analytical results.
• Proven to be effective as a leader, mentor, or supervisor of professionals in data science, analytics, or a closely related technical field.
• Communication skills that convey complex data science concepts, analytical results, and recommendations to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying data science to complex institutional or organizational challenges within higher education, government, research, or nonprofit settings.
• Advanced knowledge of machine learning methods, frameworks, and tools used to develop and evaluate predictive models.
• Use of data visualization applications such as Power BI or Tableau..
• Knowledge of cloud-based data and computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Snowflake.
• Ph.D. in data science, business analytics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, or a related quantitative field.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.