Data Science Associate (Part-Time)

This remote position requires flexibility to work from AIR’s Crystal City office. The part-time role is expected to run from September 2026 through May 2027.

About AIR

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities

• Build cloud applications and data pipelines using platform-as-a-service and/or open-source tools.
• Develop visualizations, dashboards, and reports using open-source and/or business intelligence tools.
• Support efforts to collect, compile, validate, interpret, and analyze data using standard practices and techniques.
• Assist with computer modeling and simple to moderately complex forecasting using standard software packages.
• Contribute to quantitative and/or qualitative analysis using standard techniques and methods.
• Work independently and collaboratively on moderately complex assignments under indirect supervision.
• Create replicable, well-documented code in a shared environment.
• Coordinate project support needs and requests from senior management and clients.
• Develop systems to maintain and verify the accuracy of data for assigned projects.
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects.
• Present and occasionally support or organize content for internal and external meetings.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for research applications.
• Review and optimize code written by others.
• Provide innovative and appropriate solutions to complex problems.
• The scope of responsibilities may be modified as business needs evolve.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in computer science-related fields (e.g., Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science) and enrolled in a PhD program.
• Experience with cloud platforms including AWS, GCP, and Azure; hands-on exposure to Azure OpenAI API is preferred, but not required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position.
• Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

Skills

• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to apply creative problem-solving techniques.
• Strong communicator with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels and diverse backgrounds, including virtual environments, and to convey complex technical concepts clearly and accurately in plain language.
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively in cross-functional teams and contribute to shared goals in a virtual environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working in dynamic environments and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Proficient with database technologies such as MySQL and MS SQL Server.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and applications for practical use cases.
• Knowledge of Python web frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask) is advantageous.
• Interest in exploring and developing innovative tools for data-driven applications.

Pay

Anticipated hourly rate range: $45 - $50 USD.