Principal Data Scientist

The Vanguard Group; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vanguard Group seeks a seasoned analytics leader in Malvern, PA to run large-scale data science projects and guide complex modeling efforts. This role blends strategy with hands-on analytics across diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive methods to drive business decisions.

You will mentor junior analysts, ensure data quality, and present actionable insights to senior leadership within a collaborative, hybrid environment that emphasizes client outcomes and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Ten years of related work experience in analytical roles.
• Experience with data wrangling and programming to access, transform and prepare large-scale data for statistical modeling.
• Experience utilizing statistical and machine learning methods.
• Undergraduate degree in Analytics, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Statistics or related analytical field of study or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Graduate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of large-scale analytics projects.
• Apply significant quality control and risk assessment of models, methodologies, outputs, and processes for major data science projects.
• Lead and execute deep-dive diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to support data-driven business decision making.
• Create alternative model approaches to assess complex design and future capabilities.
• Mentor and develop junior data scientists and analysts.
• Identify and diagnose data inconsistencies and fill data gaps.
• Engage with senior leadership to understand business processes and develop hypotheses.
• Translate requirements into analytic approaches and guide test/research design and model validation.
• Provide statistical consultation and deliver insights to business leaders.
• Serve as analytics expert on cross-functional teams for large initiatives and contribute to Vanguard's analytics community.
• Prepare and deliver insight presentations and action recommendations.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and implications to business leaders.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Data wrangling

Statistical methods

Machine learning

Programming

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in analytics/math/economics/statistics

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

Python

SQL

R

Job description

Core Responsibilities

• Leads the execution of large scale, more complex analytics projects.
• Applies significant quality control and risk assessment of the model, methodologies, outputs, and processes for major data science projects.
• Leads and executes deep dive diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to support data-driven business decision making.
• Creates alternative model approaches to assess complex model design and advance future capabilities.
• Mentors and develops junior data scientists and analysts.
• Identifies and diagnoses data inconsistencies and errors, documents data assumptions, and forages to fill data gaps.
• Engages with senior leadership to understand and probe business processes in order to develop hypotheses.
• Brings structure to requests and translates requirements into an analytic approach.
• Guides test design, research design, and model validation.
• Provides statistical consultation services.
• Serves as the analytics expert on cross functional teams for large strategic initiatives and contributes to the growth of the Vanguard analytic community.
• Prepares and delivers insight presentations and action recommendations.
• Communicates complex analytical findings and implications to business leaders.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years related work experience in analytical roles.
• Experience with data wrangling required - Programming skills to access, transform and prepare large scale data for statistical modeling.
• Experience utilizing statistical and machine learning methods required.
• Undergraduate degree in Analytics, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Statistics or related analytical field of study or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Graduate degree preferred.

Special Factors Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience. Vanguard, one of the world's leading investment management companies, serves individual investors, institutions, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial professionals. We have a diverse and talented crew with a culture that promotes teamwork, along with an unwavering focus on serving our clients' best interests.