Data Scientist

ASSYST; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A data analytics firm in Maryland is seeking a Data Scientist to support data-driven decision-making in criminal justice. The role involves analyzing complex datasets, including socio-economic data, to inform policy development and public safety outcomes. Candidates should be proficient in Python, R, and SQL, with experience in statistical modeling and machine learning. Strong understanding of the criminal justice system and collaboration across agencies is essential. The position offers the opportunity to conduct predictive analyses and improve operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of criminal justice processes and government data standards.
• Experience handling sensitive or classified data in compliance with CJIS and FOIA guidelines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and agencies.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced statistical analyses to identify crime trends and evaluate risk factors.
• Develop predictive models to forecast resource needs and identify potential crime hotspots or high-risk individuals.
• Assess program effectiveness and policy impacts using evidence-based methodologies.
• Support agency-wide initiatives involving the management and analysis of large datasets for investigative and analytical purposes.
• Develop and maintain secure data pipelines integrating law enforcement, judicial, and corrections data.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
• Prepare clear, actionable reports, dashboards, and data visualizations.
• Translate complex technical findings into accessible insights.
• Collaborate with internal divisions and other agencies on data initiatives.
• Contribute to grant proposals and federally funded research projects.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Statistical modeling

Machine learning frameworks

Power BI

GIS tools

Job description

ASSYST is seeking a Data Scientist plays a critical role in supporting data-driven decision-making for our client. This position is responsible for analyzing complex criminal justice datasets along with applicable open-source data, including census, demographic and socio-economic data, to inform policy development, improve public safety outcomes and enhance operational efficiency. The role supports analysts and stakeholders by identifying, integrating and visualizing large, diverse datasets to address stakeholder needs, uncover trends and patterns and conduct predictive analyses across a wide range of data types. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in data science with a solid understanding of criminal justice systems and government data regulations.

Required Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Python, R, and SQL.
• Experience with statistical modeling and machine learning frameworks.
• Expertise in data visualization tools such as Power BI.
• Familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis tools is preferred.

Domain Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of criminal justice processes and government data standards.
• Experience handling sensitive or classified data in compliance with CJIS and FOIA guidelines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and agencies.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced statistical analyses to identify crime trends and evaluate risk factors.
• Develop predictive models to forecast resource needs and identify potential crime hotspots or high-risk individuals.
• Assess program effectiveness and policy impacts using evidence-based methodologies.
• Support agency-wide initiatives involving the management and analysis of large datasets for investigative and analytical purposes.
• Develop and maintain secure data pipelines integrating law enforcement, judicial, and corrections data.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local data privacy and security regulations, including CJIS standards.
• Prepare clear, actionable reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for agency leadership, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Translate complex technical findings into accessible insights for non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with internal divisions, other government agencies, and research institutions on data initiatives.
• Contribute to grant proposals and federally funded research projects as needed.

ASSYST is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.