Senior Data Scientist - Scientific AI

McKinsey & Company; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 176,000 - 179,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Parental leave

Retirement contributions

Job summary

McKinsey & Company in Newark, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to develop machine learning models and pipelines. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience or a PhD with 2 years. Responsibilities include supporting client-focused discussions and collaborating on AI initiatives. The estimated salary range is from $176,000 to $179,500, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and parental leave.

Qualifications

• Master’s with 5+ years or PhD with 2+ years in relevant field.
• Experience applying machine learning to business problems.
• Ability to write production code and apply OOP.

Responsibilities

• Developing AI and machine learning models and pipelines.
• Supporting client discussions and prototype development.
• Collaborating with AI teams in a technology development capacity.

Skills

Machine Learning experience

Programming experience in Python

Bayesian statistics & optimization

Strong presentation & communication skills

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in statistics, mathematics, computer science

Tools

Python libraries (pandas, numpy, etc.)

GitHub

Job description

Locations

• Boston
• Chicago
• New Jersey
• New York City
• Raleigh
• San Francisco
• Silicon Valley
• Southern California

Overview

Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem‑solver who is energized by challenges? You have come to the right place.

Your Impact

• Responsible for developing internal knowledge, building AI and machine learning models & pipelines, supporting client discussions, prototype development, and deploying directly with client delivery teams.
• Provide statistical, machine learning, and AI competency to complex client problems, building and shaping McKinsey's scientific AI offering.
• Play a pivotal role in creation/dissemination of cutting‑edge knowledge and proprietary assets, working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure statistical validity and output of analytics, AI/ML models, translate results for senior stakeholders, write optimized code to advance Data Science Toolbox.
• Work in North American offices in the Life Sciences practice, as part of McKinsey's global scientific AI team focusing on therapeutics, chemicals & materials.
• Collaborate with cutting‑edge AI teams on research and development, serving as a Senior Data Scientist in a technology development & delivery capacity.
• Support the manager of data science on the development of data science and analytics roadmap across cell‑level initiatives, delivering capabilities, models, and insights.
• Flexibility to hire at Senior Data Scientist I or II level based on experience.

Your Growth

Driving lasting impact and building long‑term capabilities with clients is challenging. You thrive in a high‑performance/high‑reward culture, doing hard things, recovering from setbacks, and seeking new solutions.

In return, we provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities to become a stronger leader faster than you thought possible. Colleagues at all levels invest in your development and client results.

Key Growth Opportunities

• Continuous learning: Structured programs, clear feedback, fast‑paced learning, ownership of your journey.
• A voice that matters: Your ideas and contributions have tangible impact, encouraging diverse perspectives.
• Global community: Over 65 countries and 100 nationalities, diverse team culture.
• World‑class benefits: Competitive salary plus comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree with 5+ years or PhD with 2+ years in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or equivalent research experience.
• ML experience: causality, Bayesian statistics & optimization, survival analysis, design of experiments, longitudinal analysis, surrogate models, transformers, Knowledge Graphs, Agents, Graph NNs, Deep Learning, computer vision.
• Strong programming experience in Python (R, C++ optional) and analytics libraries: pandas, numpy, matplotlib, scikit‑learn, statsmodels, pymc, pytorch/tf/keras, langchain.
• Proven experience applying machine learning to solve business problems.
• Experience with version control (GitHub).
• Ability to write production code and apply object‑oriented programming.
• Track record of end‑to‑end ownership of independent workstreams.
• Good presentation & communication skills, explaining complex concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience advising external parties and/or functions.
• Exceptional time management to meet responsibilities in a complex autonomous environment.

Industries

• High Tech
• Life Sciences

Capabilities

• Technology

Equal Opportunity Statement (U.S. Applicants)

McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Salary Estimate (U.S.)

Estimated range: $176,000 – $179,500 USD. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest salaries for this role, noting that actual compensation may vary based on location, experience, start date, organizational needs, and may include bonuses.

Benefits (U.S.)

Comprehensive benefits including medical, mental health, dental, vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident, disability insurance, parental leave, family planning benefits, caregiving resources, retirement contributions, financial guidance, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Statement (Non‑U.S. Applicants)

McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.