Sr Data & AI Scientist

Ascend Learning; Leawood (KS); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Ascend Learning is seeking a Sr Data & AI Scientist to lead strategic data science and AI initiatives, including generative AI and LLM-based tools that span multiple business functions. The role focuses on translating complex needs into scalable data science solutions while improving enterprise data readiness for AI/ML use.

The position involves designing, building, and deploying large language model–based tools, collaborating with Engineering, Data, and Operations to embed AI capabilities in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, CS, Math or similar.
• 7+ years in data science/AI in industry with emphasis on applied AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic data science and AI initiatives across Ascend Learning.
• Design and implement AI/LLM-based solutions for multiple business functions.
• Build LLM-based tools and interfaces enabling natural language data access for users.
• Develop and refresh ML/AI models with reproducible engineering practices.
• Partner with Engineering, Data, and Operations to embed AI capabilities into products.

Skills

Data science stack

Python / ML tools

Generative AI / LLM

Snowflake metadata

Relational & NoSQL

Data visualization

Business problem translation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in quantitative field

Tools

Python NumPy SciPy Scikit-learn TensorFlow

Snowflake data modeling

Job description

Sr Data & AI Scientist

Category: Data & BI Analytics

Req ID: 1295

Date: Aug 20, 2026

Location: Leawood, KS, US, 66211 Remote, US

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Senior Data and AI Scientist leads strategic data science and AI initiatives across Ascend Learning, driving AI adoption and improving enterprise data readiness for AI and machine learning use cases. This role designs and implements advanced analytical and AI/LLM-based solutions - including generative AI and conversational data-access tools - that span multiple business functions, translating complex business needs into scalable, high-value data science and AI solutions.

WHERE YOU'LL WORK

• You will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS or will consider remote within the United States

HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Implement enterprise data AI strategy to drive data-readiness, and enable AI adoption: identify and evaluate opportunities to apply artificial intelligence and generative AI data analytics across the organization, and assess and improve the quality, structure, and governance of enterprise data so it is fit for AI and machine learning use.
• Design and build large language model-based tools and interfaces (e.g., Claude) that let business users and internal platforms query and act on organizational data using natural language, increasing AI adoption and self-service access to data-driven insights.
• Design, build, and refresh machine learning and AI models: conduct experiments and proof-of-concept research, prepare data, and develop the underlying data models and databases needed to support new and existing business initiatives, applying disciplined engineering practices such as version control, automated testing, and documentation to ensure reliable, reproducible solutions.
• Convert business questions into analytical solutions: translate business needs into clearly defined analytics problem statements, interpret results using techniques ranging from simple data aggregation to complex data mining, and apply data science methods to support functions such as sales targeting, so business partners can make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Partner with leadership and technical teams across the organization: collaborate with Engineering, Data, and Operations teams to embed data science and AI capabilities into products and workflows, and work directly with business leaders and end-users from concept through delivery to understand business trends, needs, and problems.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Education & Years of Experience

• Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a similar quantitative field.
• A minimum of 7 years' experience working on data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence projects in industry, with a strong and growing emphasis on applied AI and generative AI/large language model-based solutions.

Key Skills and Abilities/Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on technical expertise across the full data science and applied AI stack.
• Advanced proficiency with data science toolkits (e.g., Python NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, R, Spark ML, Azure ML), programming and scripting for reproducible analysis, and building classification, regression, clustering, and deep learning models.
• Specialized knowledge of generative AI and large language model tooling and frameworks (e.g., retrieval-augmented generation, prompt engineering, vector embeddings), and hands-on experience defining semantic models and metadata within Snowflake so enterprise data is reliably consumable by both business users and AI systems.
• Strong applied statistics skills, experience with both relational and NoSQL databases, and familiarity with data visualization tools.
• Judgment to translate ambiguous business requirements into well-defined, high-value solutions.
• Ability to do minimal travel, less than 10%.

HIRING RANGE

The current full-time, annualized base pay hiring range for this role is $151,000.00-$215,930.00. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected pay range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company paid life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Other wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet
• Charitable matching program

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.