Data Scientist/Developer

Accord Technologies Inc; Jackson (MS); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech consulting company is seeking a Data Scientist/Software Developer to enhance the intake process for children at risk. This role requires expertise in machine learning and natural language processing, with responsibilities including developing a prototype application and collaborating with State stakeholders. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and experience in deploying analytic solutions, along with strong communication skills. This is a 5-month remote contract position based in Jackson, MS.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in custom-developing AI programs from the ground up.
• Minimum two years of experience designing machine-learning solutions.
• Strong academic background in mathematics and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders to understand the intake process.
• Propose improved processes using machine learning.
• Construct a demonstrable prototype application.

Skills

Machine learning

Natural language processing

Python

Data analysis

Statistical modeling

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

PostgreSQL

AWS

C++

Java

SQL

Job description

Job Requirements

Data scientist/software developer to support a proof‑of‑concept demonstration using natural language processing and other machine learning methods to improve the intake process. This work is critical to demonstrating the potential of the latest technology to improve the lives of children at risk.

The Data Scientist/Developer will be responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and testing of statistical models, integration of NLP, and refinement and testing of the prototype. The data scientist will work closely with State stakeholders and technical team members to ensure the quality of the results and that the derived methods are transparent, statistically sound, relevant, and documented.

Key Responsibilities

• Collectively engage with MDCPS and other team members to understand the current intake process and its outcomes.
• Identify how the State decides to deploy resources based on the intake information.
• Contribute to the identification of shortcomings in the intake process and opportunities to improve outcomes.
• Use information from interviews, discovery sessions, and workshops to identify internal data sources used in the intake process.
• Devise and propose an improved intake process using natural language processing and other machine learning methods to favorably impact child outcomes while reducing resources.
• Quantify the impact of the improved process and use of new technology.
• Map anticipated data source changes and determine how internal data sources might change with future modifications to core IT systems used by MDCPS.
• Adjust the proposed intake process to account for any data source changes.
• Conduct preliminary and final design reviews of an improved intake tool proof‑of‑concept implementation, including anticipated outcomes from the use of the technology.
• If an LLM is intended to be used, demonstrate how the data will be protected and identify the data source for the proof‑of‑concept implementation; if State data is unavailable, describe an alternative approach.
• Create and host data for the proof‑of‑concept, whether provided by the State, simulated, or otherwise.
• Construct a demonstrable prototype application that illustrates the new technology’s impact on children and State resources.
• Build the prototype application using Python, C++, Java, and/or SQL; use PostgreSQL or a similar database if needed.
• Integrate the proof‑of‑concept with available data sources.
• Conduct tests to validate the functionality of the application and, where possible, validate the impact on children and State resources.
• Seek validation of the application’s efficacy from key State stakeholders through one‑on‑one demonstrations.
• Provide stakeholders with a hands‑on conference‑room demonstration of how the prototype can improve child outcomes and reduce State resources.
• Participate in the Agile development process to ensure project success.

Requirement Details

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Experience in US Federal Government data science programs requiring TS/SCI clearance, delivering solutions that combine geospatial disciplines and pattern‑of‑life analysis.
• Proven expertise in custom‑developing AI programs “from the ground up,” including text processing and optimized selection and application of multiple LLMs.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience designing and implementing machine‑learning solutions based on first principles, developing custom statistical methods without reliance on pre‑built libraries.
• Strong academic background in mathematics: full calculus series, linear algebra, statistics; knowledge of discrete math, advanced statistics, and differential equations is a plus.
• Proficiency with databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and programming languages Python, C++, Java, React, Next.js, Node.js, and experience with AWS.
• Experience deploying analytic models in pilot or AWS production environments.
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong understanding of model validation and performance measurement.
• Experience deploying advanced analytic solutions in public‑sector or regulated environments.

Location & Contract

Jackson, MS (Remote), 5‑month contract.