Data Scientist - AI & Analytics

About the Role

IBM Consulting is seeking a Co-Op Data Scientist - AI & Analytics for its University Park, Pennsylvania team. This co-op opportunity provides practical experience working on client projects involving data science, statistical analysis, generative AI, data integration, and analytics. You will work with experienced professionals through mentorship, coaching, and continuous learning. The role offers opportunities to build a professional portfolio, develop technical and consulting skills, and potentially advance to IBM’s associate program based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support analytical projects using statistical methods and analytical rigor to predict behaviors and generate insights.
• Assist with generative AI models and algorithms for applications such as conversational computing, natural language processing, and audio processing.
• Work with large datasets to train, evaluate, and optimize generative AI models.
• Write efficient and reusable programs to cleanse, integrate, and model data.
• Evaluate model results and contribute to data-driven insights.
• Use Python and other programming languages to build data pipelines.
• Extract and transform data from repositories to data consumers.
• Gain exposure to cloud platforms, ETL tools, and data integration processes.
• Assist in communicating analytical results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with science, engineering, and consulting professionals.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks while adapting to changing project requirements.
• Participate in client projects, coaching, mentorship, and professional development activities.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a quantitative degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Information Sciences and Technology (IST), or a related quantitative field.
• Anticipated graduation date of May 2026 or later.
• Familiarity with at least one scripting language, preferably Python, or a strong computer science foundation.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively through active listening and clear communication.
• Initiative, curiosity, and a growth mindset.
• Ability to manage dynamic workloads in an Agile environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and willingness to take ownership of tasks and challenges.
• Ability to work onsite in State College, Pennsylvania, during the academic year.
• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters.
• Potential availability to work up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks, such as summer.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal clearance if required for the assigned client project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with or interest in statistical analysis or data mining through internships, academic or personal projects, hackathons, or publications.
• General familiarity with databases and data engineering tools, including SQL and Spark.
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as IBM Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or AWS.
• Familiarity with Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models, or Generative AI.
• Exposure to tools and technologies such as AutoGen, LangGraph, LangChain, watsonx Orchestrate, and OpenAI technologies.
• Experience with Python machine learning and data science libraries, including scikit-learn, SciPy, pandas, and PyTorch.

Skills & Competencies

• Data science and analytics.
• Statistical analysis and data mining.
• Generative AI and machine learning.
• Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models.
• Python and scripting.
• Data cleansing, integration, and modeling.
• Data pipelines and ETL processes.
• SQL and Spark.
• Cloud platforms and data integration.
• Model training, evaluation, and optimization.
• Analytical problem-solving.
• Communication of technical findings.
• Collaboration and relationship building.
• Leadership and ownership.
• Adaptability and continuous learning.
• Agile work environments.

Education & Experience

• Required Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Currently pursuing a quantitative degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, IST, or a related field.
• Previous internships, projects, hackathons, or publications in data science, statistics, analytics, or data mining are preferred but not required.

Work Arrangement & Schedule

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. Location: University Park, PA, US. Academic-Year Worksite: State College, Pennsylvania. Up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Potentially up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. In-office work is required during the academic year.

Benefits

• Mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio and gain client-project experience.
• Potential advancement to IBM’s associate program based on results and performance.