Principal Data Scientist (Remote Eligible)

Position Description

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance

We are seeking a motivated Principal Data Scientist to lead data science efforts within our Data Innovation Lab. This individual will lead development of data-driven solutions that address critical challenges in healthcare, identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities to transform health data into actionable insights and innovative products, and ensuring our lab remains at the cutting edge of innovation in the healthcare industry.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership
• Lead the data science function within the lab, transforming highly conceptual data ideas into actionable, data-driven solutions.
• Articulate data concepts, guiding the development of well-designed data products from ideation through productization.
• Position the Lab as the hub of innovation within Mathematica and with our clients, fostering a culture of innovation
• Analytics & Product Development
• Lead the design of products from concept to launch, ensuring they are user-friendly and ensuring the products we develop meet client needs
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and incorporate this knowledge into the design process to enhance data product innovation
• Define assessment criteria for understanding data products purchased from vendors and created internally
• Leading change management efforts to create a continuous innovation culture at Mathematica
• Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with client partners, solution architects, and development teams to understand the problem domain and design solutions that meet client needs
• Communicate design decisions and trade-offs effectively to stakeholders.
• Foster community and collaboration through regular forums for knowledge-sharing
• Work collaboratively across technology and advisory services teams
• Mentorship & Supervision
• Mentor and pair with designers and engineers to craft creative solutions
• Oversee the development of lab projects to ensure consistent and streamlined delivery of data products
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Actively support the advancement of organizational diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and apply diversity, equity and inclusion lens across job responsibilities
• Engage with our research team during usability testing and user research studies to gather insights and ensure that our products meet the diverse needs of our customers.
  

Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in data science and analytics, with a strong focus on healthcare
• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Public Health, Statistics or a related field.
• Knowledge of statistical programming languages like R and Python, and database query languages like SQL and Hive, experience with Scala, Java, or C++ is ideal.
• Experience with applied statistical skills, including knowledge of statistical tests, distributions, regression, maximum likelihood estimators, etc.
• Knowledge of machine learning methods like k-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes, SVM, and Decision Trees.
• Strong understanding of multivariable calculus and linear algebra fundamentals for predictive performance and algorithm optimization techniques.
• Proficiency with data wrangling and managing data imperfections.
• Experience with data visualization tools like matplotlib, ggplot, d3.js., and Tableau
• Experience with cloud computing such as AWS, GCP, Microsoft Azure, etc.
  
  

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $150,000 - $190,000. This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance. To apply, please submit a cover letter (optional), resume, code samples, and salary expectations.

STAFFING AGENCIES AND THIRD-PARTY RECRUITERS: Mathematica is not accepting candidates for this role or any technical role from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Please do not contact technical or senior staff at Mathematica or share unsolicited resumes. All agency inquiries go through the talent acquisition team and will be routed accordingly.

Staff in our Health or Human Services units will eventually work with some of our largest clients, including the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) and other agencies. Most staff working on these contracts will be required to complete a successful background investigation including the Questionnaire for Public Trust Position SF-85 (https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf85p.pdf). Staff that are unable to successfully undergo the background investigation will need to be able to obtain work outside these contracts. Staff will work with their supervisor to get re-staffed, however if they are unable to do so it may result in employment termination due to lack of work.

Available Locations: Washington, DC; Princeton, NJ; Remote

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

Although Mathematica does not require vaccination from COVID-19 as a condition of employment, various projects or agencies may require documentation of vaccination (or an approved exception/accommodation).

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.

One of Mathematica’s core values is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work is more robust because it is informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by a greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve. Mathematica’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices—including decisions regarding recruitment, training, compensation, and promotion. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.