Data Scientist II

Strategic Education, Inc; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Strategic Education, Inc. is seeking a Data Scientist II to leverage machine learning and GenAI (LLMs) to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that improve business performance and decision-making. You will build predictive models, deploy LLM-based solutions, and develop impactful Power BI reports to enable data-driven decisions.

The role emphasizes strong analytics, data storytelling, and collaboration with stakeholders, with a focus on responsible AI practices and governance.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in SQL and Python (or R).
• Experience building and deploying ML models.
• Experience with GenAI/LLMs and NLP use cases.
• Familiar with CI/CD, Airflow, and workflow orchestration.
• Power BI or equivalent visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large datasets from multiple sources and prepare data for modeling.
• Design, build, and deploy ML models and GenAI solutions.
• Develop GenAI use cases like text classification and embeddings.
• Productionize models with CI/CD and Airflow.
• Create Power BI dashboards to track KPIs and model outcomes.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

SQL

Python

GenAI

LLMs

CI/CD

Airflow

Power BI

Data storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

Git

Airflow

Job description

The Data Scientist II leverages machine learning and Generative AI (LLMs) to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that improve business performance and decision-making. This role builds and deploys predictive and LLM-based models using modern tools (CI/CD, Airflow), develops impactful insights through strong analytics and Power BI visualizations, and partners with stakeholders to identify high-value opportunities. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, a keen eye for data, and a passion for applying AI to real-world problems.

Key Objectives

• Deliver measurable business impact using machine learning and GenAI/LLM-driven solutions.
• Improve operational performance through scalable, production-ready analytics.
• Develop and maintain a suite of Power BI reports and dashboards to enable informed, data-driven business decisions.
• Enable smarter decision-making through data storytelling and visualization.
• Identify and implement high-value GenAI use cases across the organization.
• Promote responsible and effective use of AI and advanced analytics.
• Mentor junior team members and help elevate overall team capabilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze and integrate large, complex datasets from multiple sources, with cloud environments preferred.
• Design, build, and deploy machine learning models and LLM-powered solutions.
• Develop GenAI use cases such as text classification, embeddings, summarization, and decision-support tools.
• Productionize models using CI/CD pipelines and orchestrate workflows using Airflow DAGs.
• Monitor model performance, maintain documentation, and support governance, reliability, and ongoing model maintenance.
• Translate analytical findings into clear and actionable business insights for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build dashboards and visualizations using Power BI to track KPIs, trends, and model outcomes.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify opportunities for advanced analytics and AI adoption.
• Apply strong data validation and quality checks to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and integrity.
• Support ethical AI practices, data privacy requirements, and governance standards.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team best practices and standards.

Required Skills

• Strong proficiency in SQL and Python, or R.
• Hands-on experience developing and deploying machine learning models.
• Experience with Generative AI and LLMs, including prompting, embeddings, and NLP-related use cases.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Airflow, and workflow orchestration.
• Strong experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong data intuition and the ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and meaningful insights.
• Ability to communicate complex analytical and AI concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with version control tools such as Git and collaborative development practices.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in ambiguous environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Experience operationalizing LLM-based solutions in production environments.
• Familiarity with MLOps and model lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated passion for AI innovation and continuous learning.

Work Experience

• 3+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, or a related field.
• Proven experience building and deploying machine learning solutions in production.
• Experience applying statistical analysis and predictive modeling.
• Exposure to or hands-on experience with GenAI and LLM applications is strongly preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field required.

Other

• Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 – 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 – 10%).
• Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
• If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
• Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
• Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
• Able to access information using a computer.
• Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc

SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$95,100.00 - $142,600.00 - Salary

If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at [e-mail].