Data Scientist I - Computational Research, Statistics & Machine Learning
The Data Scientist I at Confidential Client supports diverse research projects by applying statistical, machine learning, and computational methods to complex datasets including survey, administrative, and text data. This hybrid role involves developing reproducible analytical workflows, building data products, and leveraging AI technologies such as generative AI and large language models to enhance research and operational decision-making. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and strong programming skills in Python and SQL are essential to drive innovative data science solutions in social science research.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking a Data Scientist I to join a Statistics & Data Science team working on social-science and applied research projects. The role focuses on building reproducible data workflows, applying statistical and machine learning methods (including NLP and LLMs), and delivering data products to support decision-making. This is a hybrid position based in Chicago, IL with at least six days per month onsite.
What You’ll Do
- Apply statistical, computational, and machine learning methods to support survey research, evaluation studies, and other social science research initiatives.
- Build reproducible, quality-assured analytic workflows using version control (Git), environment management, automated testing, and peer review.
- Design and implement robust data pipelines that integrate and transform structured and unstructured data from multiple sources.
- Develop data products, dashboards, and applications that enable data-driven decisions.
- Apply ML, AI, and NLP methods — including experimentation with LLM-based approaches — and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate and deploy analytic solutions.
- Write production-quality Python (and R where applicable) to extract, manipulate, link, and analyze complex datasets.
- Work with relational databases, cloud platforms, and large-scale computing environments to manage datasets efficiently.
- Uphold data disclosure limitation and data privacy best practices for public releases and restricted-use data.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computational social science, data science, statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
- Approximately 4 years of relevant experience (this can include graduate research, internships, and applied professional experience).
- Demonstrated proficiency developing production-quality code in Python.
- Strong experience with SQL and relational databases.
- Experience building software, data pipelines, or analytical applications.
- Experience conducting statistical analysis and machine learning on real-world datasets.
- Familiarity with supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods.
- Experience with Git and collaborative development workflows.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills plus excellent communication and technical writing ability.
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S.; Confidential Client is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with large-scale data platforms (Databricks, Spark, Hadoop, Hive).
- Experience developing, evaluating, or deploying machine learning and AI solutions, including work with LLMs and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Experience applying data disclosure limitation (SDL) and data privacy risk assessment/mitigation.
- Experience with R or SAS.
- Background analyzing healthcare, survey, administrative, or other large-scale observational datasets (e.g., claims data).
- Experience with record linkage.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $90,000 - $100,000 per year.
- Regular staff are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program including subsidized health insurance (effective day one), dental and vision, retirement contributions, group life and disability insurance, generous paid time off and parental leave, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs.
- Confidential Client is committed to equitable pay practices; final placement within the posted range depends on experience, skills, and organizational needs.
Location & Work Authorization
- Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid — based in the Chicago Loop office with a minimum of six days per month onsite).
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About Confidential Client
Confidential Client is an objective, research-focused organization that delivers rigorous data and analysis to support policy, program, and business decisions. The Statistics & Data Science team advances methodological innovation and implements robust analytic solutions across the project lifecycle, from study design and data collection to analysis and dissemination.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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