Data Scientist

The University of North Georgia

Dahlonega (GA)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA is seeking a Data Scientist to apply advanced statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning to trusted enterprise data. Working within the UNG NEST, you will develop analytical models and predictive insights that improve strategic decision-making, operational excellence, institutional effectiveness, and student success.

The role involves collaborating across university offices, mentoring Data Science interns in the Analytics

Qualifications

Master's degree in a quantitative field required; PhD preferred.
2+ years applying statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning in higher education, government, healthcare, or similar environment.
Experience developing analytical models using large, complex datasets with Python or R and SQL.

Responsibilities

Develops statistical, predictive, and machine learning models to support enrollment management, student success, and institutional effectiveness.
Designs forecasting studies and quantitative research to inform strategic planning and executive decisions.
Conducts exploratory data analysis and documents methodologies, assumptions, and findings for transparency and reproducibility.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Predictive modeling

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Education

Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Analytics, or closely related quantitative discipline

Preferred: Doctoral degree in related quantitative discipline

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft SQL Server

Job description

Job Title: Data Scientist

Location: UNG-Dahlonega, GA

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 302030

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is accepting applications for a Data Scientist. The Data Scientist supports the University of North Georgia's strategic priorities by applying advanced statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, and quantitative research to trusted enterprise data. Working within the UNG NEST, the position develops analytical models and predictive insights that improve strategic decision-making, operational excellence, institutional effectiveness, and student success. The Data Scientist collaborates across the university to solve complex analytical challenges while coordinating and mentoring Data Science interns participating in the Analytics & Innovation Incubator.

Please be advised that any offer of employment is contingent upon your eligibility to work in the United States. The university is aware of recent federal changes that may significantly increase the cost of filing H-1B visa petitions.

As a public institution, the university's ability to cover such costs is subject to budgetary constraints and state funding policies. Therefore, while we remain committed to supporting international faculty hires, we cannot guarantee payment of any newly imposed or increased visa-related fees.

If you have any questions regarding the visa policy, please contact Monica Arrendale at (706) 867-4470.

Responsibilities

Advanced Analytics & Predictive Modeling - Develops statistical, predictive, and machine learning models that support enrollment management, student success, retention, graduation, workforce planning, finance, institutional effectiveness, and other strategic initiatives
Forecasting & Quantitative Research - Designs and conducts forecasting studies, scenario analyses, and quantitative research using advanced analytical techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, survival analysis, time-series forecasting, optimization, and related methodologies to support strategic planning and executive decision-making.
Exploratory Data Analysis & Methodology - Conducts exploratory data analysis to identify patterns, trends, anomalies, and opportunities across institutional data while developing, validating, documenting, and refining analytical methodologies, model assumptions, and research findings to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
Institutional Collaboration & Consulting - Collaborates with university leadership, functional offices, Institutional Research, Information Technology, faculty collaborators, and members of Strategic Impact & Engagement to identify analytical opportunities, translate business questions into quantitative solutions, and communicate findings through reports, presentations, and executive briefings.
Analytics & Innovation Incubator Leadership - Coordinates and mentors undergraduate and graduate Data Science interns participating in the Analytics & Innovation Incubator by assigning projects, reviewing analytical work, providing technical guidance, and fostering professional development.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement - Researches, evaluates, and applies statistical methodologies, machine learning approaches, and artificial intelligence capabilities to strengthen the university's analytical capacity while supporting the continued evolution of the UNG NEST.
Professional Development & Other Duties - Maintains current knowledge of developments in data science, higher education analytics, and institutional research through professional development activities and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis, predictive modeling, supervised and unsupervised machine learning, and quantitative research methodologies.
Proficiency using analytical programming languages such as Python or R and familiarity with SQL for data analysis.
Strong understanding of forecasting, regression, classification, clustering, optimization, survival analysis, and related analytical techniques.
Strong analytical reasoning, critical thinking, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate complex analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences through reports, presentations, and data visualizations.
Ability to manage multiple analytical projects while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to mentor student researchers and foster professional development within the Analytics & Innovation Incubator.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited institution in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Analytics, or a closely related quantitative discipline
Minimum 2 years experience applying statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, and quantitative research techniques within higher education, government, healthcare, business, or a comparable analytical environment.
Experience developing analytical models that support strategic decision-making using large, complex datasets.
Experience using analytical programming languages such as Python or R and SQL for data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred: Doctoral degree in a related quantitative discipline.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in higher education analytics or institutional research. Experience supporting enrollment management, student success, retention, graduation, finance, workforce planning, or institutional effectiveness initiatives. Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, Power BI, or similar enterprise analytics platforms. Experience mentoring interns, graduate assistants, or junior analysts. Experience applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to solve complex organizational problems. Knowledge of FERPA, data governance principles, and ethical use of institutional data.

Required Documents to Attach

Resume
Cover Letter
Unofficial Transcripts
Contact Information for Three Professional References

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmentive Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

Other Information