Data Science Lead

NC State University; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University’s University Data and Analytics seeks a Data Science Lead to guide a small team of data scientists, applying advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and machine learning to support institutional planning and decision-making.

You will supervise the Data Science team, coordinate projects with stakeholders across UDA, and promote responsible data practices to deliver reliable insights for leadership.

Qualifications

• Data science experience applying predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning to complex data.
• Programming expertise in Python, R, SAS, or a comparable language used for data science and analytics.
• Knowledge of statistical methods, data modeling, and data preparation techniques.
• Proven to be effective as a leader, mentor, or supervisor of data science professionals.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex analytics to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop Advanced Analytics Solutions to address university needs.
• Supervise and support the Data Science Team with coaching and performance management.
• Collaborate across UDA with stakeholders to drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Coordinate Data Science Projects, track progress, manage timelines and risks.
• Promote Responsible and Reliable Data Science Practices for governance and security.

Skills

Data science experience

Python/R/SAS

Statistical methods

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in data science or related field

Two years of relevant experience

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

AWS/Azure/Snowflake

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number

PG194783EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Data Science Lead

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with education and experience ($110,000-$122,000)

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (additional work outside of standard hours may be required due to business needs)

Department

University Data and Analytics

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.

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.

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‑time 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‑time 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.

Qualifications

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

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

09/03/2026

Anticipated Close Date

10/1/2026, if posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications

Position Number

00110588

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

310101 – University Data and Analytics

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • Job Alert (automated email from our system)
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Professional Organization
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

NC STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC 27695 PHONE: [phone]