Learning Analytics Data Scientist

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Learning Analytics Data Scientist to join the Data Empowered Learning team. You will craft models and insights powering Course Insights and Elevate to boost student success and institutional efficiency.

You will handle data from Canvas, SIS, and related systems and translate findings into practical tools for faculty and advisors. You will collaborate with leadership, ensure ethical data use, and deploy production-ready models in a university-wide

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or equivalent combo of education/experience.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in data science for higher education or similar environment.
• Proven expertise with Python data stack for cleaning, feature engineering, and modeling.
• Strong SQL skills for complex data extraction from relational databases.
• Experience communicating complex findings to executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and deploy predictive/descriptive models (e.g., student-at-risk indicators).
• Build and maintain data workflows from Canvas, Starfish, and SIS sources.
• Use EDA and ML to derive trends and actionable recommendations.
• Translate findings into intuitive tools for faculty and advisors.
• Communicate methods to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with developers to productionize models for campus-wide use.

Skills

Python

Pandas

NumPy

SQL

Regression

Clustering

Experiment design

CI/CD

GitHub Actions

Data visualization

Education

Master's Degree

Data Science/CS/Information Science degree

Tools

FastAPI

Plumber

Plotly

Matplotlib

Canvas/SIS data sources

Starfish

GitHub

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State IT invites a Learning Analytics Data Scientist to join the award-winning Data Empowered Learning team. In this role, you will assist in the creation of the models and insights that power cutting-edge tools like Course Insights and Elevate. You will join a mission-driven, collaborative team dedicated to delivering insights that enhance student success and institutional efficiency across Penn State. We are looking for a candidate with proven expertise across the entire data science lifecycle, from organizing complex institutional datasets to applying advanced analytical and modeling methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and deploy predictive and descriptive models (e.g., student-at-risk indicators, and engagement patterns, etc) to inform institutional strategy.
• Architect and maintain complex data workflows by retrieving and organizing institutional data from diverse sources, including Canvas (LMS), Starfish, and Student Information Systems (SIS).
• Utilize exploratory data analysis and machine learning to transform raw data into high-level trends and actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with university leadership to move insights from theory to practice, ensuring findings are translated into intuitive, practical tools for faculty and advisors.
• Communicate to technical and non-technical stakeholders and audiences on data and methodological questions.
• Partner with software developers to transition successful models into production-level applications used by thousands of users across the university.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required Extensive experience with the Python data stack (pandas, NumPy, etc.) for data cleaning, feature engineering, and high-level statistical modeling.
• A robust background in quantitative methods, including regression, clustering, decision trees, and experimental design.
• Expertise in writing complex SQL queries to extract and manipulate data within relational databases.
• Proven ability to synthesize technical findings into clear, compelling, non-technical narratives for executive-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to the ethical use of data in the educational environment.
• Experience with managing production-level data and code through version control and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows, such as GitHub Actions, or similar automation tools to manage the model lifecycle.
• Desired Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Science, or a related field.
• Experience inheriting existing production level codebases or comfortable jumping into new codebase to debug, refactor, make improvements, etc.
• Familiarity with R for supplementary statistical analysis or collaborative research scripts.
• Experience with data visualization libraries (e.g., Plotly, Matplotlib) to create impactful visual stories.
• Experience architecting and deploying RESTful APIs to serve machine learning models using frameworks such as FastAPI (Python) or Plumber (R).
• Understanding of the Higher Education ecosystem, including FERPA compliance and the nuances of SIS and LMS data structures.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $137,280.00.
• Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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