Remote Data Scientist, Student Success Analytics

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking a Data Scientist for Student Success Analytics in Harrisonburg, VA. This applied analytics role focuses on transforming student-success data into ethical, actionable evidence to inform institutional decisions. You will work with a team including a data engineer and report to the Director.

The position supports data maturity, data governance, and transformations across CRM, LMS, SIS, and other systems. Telework eligibility is noted.

Qualifications

• MS in Statistics, CS, OR, Mathematics, Finance, or other quantitative disciplines.
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python or R).
• Experience with statistical methods and handling large data sets.
• Experience analyzing, summarizing, and communicating information clearly, including data visualization.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment.
• Awareness of data privacy, security, and ethics.
• Awareness of how data analytics can strengthen student success, retention, and graduation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data to generate actionable insights for the early student success team and stakeholders.
• Design and evaluate descriptive, predictive, and causal analyses; document assumptions and limitations.
• Communicate insights through visualizations, presentations, reports, publications, and other media.
• Collaborate with SAS partners and campus colleagues on data management, ethics, privacy and governance.
• Advocate for data privacy, ethics, and equity in data decisions for student success systems.
• Explore responsible uses of generative AI for analytical workflows with privacy and oversight.

Skills

SQL

Python

R

Data visualization

Communication

Collaboration

Statistical thinking

Education

MS in Statistics

MS in Computer Science or OR

PhD in quantitative field (preferred)

Tools

Relational databases

Non-relational databases

Generative AI tools

Data visualization libraries

Job description

James Madison University is seeking a Data Scientist for Student Success Analytics in Harrisonburg, VA. This applied analytics role focuses on transforming student-success data into ethical, actionable evidence to inform institutional decisions. You will work with a team including a data engineer and report to the Director.

The position supports data maturity, data governance, and transformations across CRM, LMS, SIS, and other systems. Telework eligibility is noted.