Senior Data Scientist

About the Role

Data Scientists at the SEI use advanced statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help our government and industry clients research and solve cybersecurity challenges. In this role, you will work with our customers to identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can tackle problems, plan and develop prototype solutions, and build out final products. You'll collaborate with elite cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national cybersecurity strategy for decades to come.

You will co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to DoD sponsors and at academic conferences. Our team works on a wide range of projects, including research in generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and assurance of AI systems. Additionally, we craft metrics and experimental designs for large-scale cybersecurity research programs, develop human-in-the-loop machine learning solutions, and build classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities.

Requirements

• BS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline with ten (10) years of experience or equivalent combination of training or experience; or MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; or PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience.
• Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission.
• Subject to a background check and must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI & machine learning.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics.
• Proficient with at least one mathematical/statistical programming package (e.g., R, Python numpy/scipy/pandas/polars, MATLAB, etc.).
• Innovative and inquisitive with ability to imagine novel analytical solutions to problems.
• Thrives in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Recommendation systems
  • Time-series forecasting (Prophet, NeuralProphet, Chronos, Lag-Llama, etc.)
  • NLP / LLMs (fine-tuning, RAG, evaluation, prompt engineering)
  • Causal inference / uplift modeling / synthetic controls
  • Modern ML frameworks: LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow
  • LLMs / agentic workflows (LangChain/LlamaIndex/Haystack)
  • Experience deploying models (FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar)
  • Experience working with big data (Spark, Trino, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks)

Desired Experience

• Experience in cybersecurity and privacy is a plus.
• Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs, and National Labs is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work.

Benefits

Benefits-eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

Pay

Salary-based compensation.

Location: Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Position Type: Full-time, Staff – Regular