Research Data Scientist

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of advanced AI/ML analytical systems and pipelines to solve complex research problems across diverse domains. Actively contribute to business development, mentor junior staff, and translate research questions into rigorous, data-driven solutions for clients.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 years of experience, a Master's with 10 years, or a PhD with 6 years of relevant experience. Candidates must possess strong proficiency in Python or R, experience with cloud-based analytical environments, and a demonstrated track record in advanced analytics.

Skills

• Data science
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Generative AI
• Large language models
• Natural language processing
• Python
• R
• Cloud computing
• AWS
• Data pipeline development
• MLOps
• Data visualization
• Technical leadership
• Business development
• Mentoring

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• 401(k) plan
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption assistance
• Infertility treatment assistance
• Education reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off

About this role

Why RTI
RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.
About the Hiring Group
A Data Scientist with deep expertise across one or more areas of advanced analytics, spanning artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), and natural language processing (NLP) who applies these capabilities to solve problems across the diverse domains where RTI operates, particularly across the full spectrum of health research, from epidemiology, survey research, and public health surveillance to toxicology and molecular-level drug discovery, along with social science, environmental research, economics, and defense. You have a demonstrated track record of applying advanced analytical methods to complex research and operational challenges across multiple domains.
You have developed analytical software approaches ranging from prototypes to production, led projects with multi-disciplinary teams, and communicated complex findings to a wide range of stakeholders, including domain researchers, software developers, federal clients, and peer reviewers. You have experience developing analytical methods and software that meet scientific standards for transparency, validation, and reproducibility, while balancing exploratory research objectives with production delivery requirements.
At this level, you independently lead data science architecture and analytical strategy for projects, actively contribute to business development and proposals, mentor junior data science staff, and represent RTI's analytical capabilities to clients and professional audiences. You operate independently on most technical decisions while collaborating with senior leadership on strategic direction.
What You'll Do
You will work closely with cross-functional teams and clients across RTI's portfolio, translating complex research questions into rigorous, data-driven solutions. You will lead the design and development of analytical systems, AI/ML pipelines, interactive tools, and decision-support applications that address client needs and advance scientific knowledge.
You will enhance existing analytical systems that support RTI's existing research infrastructure, including data collection platforms, systematic review pipelines, data quality assurance systems, and proposal development workflows, while collaborating with domain researchers, software developers, and ecosystem partners to deliver practical, production-ready solutions that meet the standards.
Responsibilities:
AI, Machine Learning, and Analytical Model Development: Lead the development of machine learning and AI models, including NLP, generative AI and LLM-based systems, and computer vision, as well as decision systems and software applications, using a wide variety of open-source tools and frameworks.
Analytical Pipeline and Platform Development: Lead technical activities spanning data pipeline development and orchestration, data wrangling, ETL processes, exploratory data analysis (EDA), DataOps, MLOps, cloud computing, automation, rapid prototyping, and interactive data visualization.
Matrixed Project Management: Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, data engineers, software developers, designers, and subject matter experts, transitioning seamlessly between leadership and contributor roles as project needs require. Capable of serving as Data Science Task Lead on small to large, multi-disciplinary projects.
Research Workflow Augmentation: Lead the development of domain-specific analytical applications by working directly with researchers to identify high-value automation and augmentation opportunities, design solutions, and iterate based on feedback. Take ownership of AI application areas such as systematic review acceleration, survey coding automation, proposal knowledge management, or research data quality assurance.
Evaluation and Quality Assurance: Lead the development of evaluation frameworks for AI and ML systems, including automated regression testing, human-in-the-loop evaluation, cost/quality monitoring, and safety assessment. Establish quality standards appropriate for a research organization where AI outputs will be analyzed by statisticians, methodologists, and federal reviewers.
Business Development: Regularly vet proposal opportunities, participate in opportunity assessments and Capture Teams, serve as Proposal Leader for small to medium sized opportunities, serve as section writer, serve on proposal review teams, and contribute to technical and budget volumes. Help frame, design, and cost out data science solutions based on client needs and problems to be solved.
Client Engagement: Lead frequent meetings with internal and external clients, translate client needs into data science solutions, and represent RTI's data science and analytical capabilities in professional and scientific settings.
Scientific Stature: Lead professional development efforts including presenting at key conferences, contributing to refereed publications (including as first author), writing blog posts and impact stories.
Mentoring and Team Development: Mentor data science staff on projects, business development, professional development, and scientific statu...

About RTI International

Research Services · 5,001-10,000 employees · headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC · founded 1958