Data Science Manager (On-Site)

Institute For Advanced Learning And Research • Danville, VA

19d • Onsite

About The Position

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking an experienced Data Science Manager to lead a team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and technical professionals supporting advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven solutions. The role combines people leadership, technical expertise, and project execution to deliver outcomes for clients, stakeholders, and organizational initiatives. It is based onsite in Danville, Virginia, and is not eligible for remote work. The position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified and other regulated technical information in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

The Data Science Manager leads a technical team and serves as the primary technical authority for data science and AI initiatives. The manager guides project delivery, establishes technical standards, and oversees complex analytics and machine learning work. The role also supports organizational capability building, innovation, strategic planning, and delivery of value to clients and partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in data science, analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or related technical disciplines.
• At least three years of experience leading and managing technical teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex data science, machine learning, and AI projects from concept through deployment.
• Advanced proficiency with Python and modern data science tools and frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of machine learning, statistics, predictive modeling, optimization, and AI technologies.
• Experience with cloud-based AI and analytics platforms.
• Excellent communication, coaching, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Eligibility to access controlled unclassified and other regulated technical information in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams that include data scientists, machine learning engineers, software engineers, and data engineers.
• Experience supporting consulting engagements, proposal development, or grant-funded initiatives.
• Experience with MLOps, responsible AI, model governance, and production AI systems.
• Experience in manufacturing, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, process optimization, supply chain analytics, or related environments.
• Professional certifications in cloud computing, AI, machine learning, project management, or data science.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and technical specialists.
• Oversee technical delivery and quality across multiple analytics, machine learning, and AI projects.
• Provide technical leadership for solution design, model development, deployment strategies, and AI governance.
• Establish and maintain best practices for coding standards, testing, documentation, and data governance.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and organizational leaders to translate business challenges into scalable analytical solutions.
• Support proposal development, grant applications, and business development efforts.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to expand organizational capabilities and services.
• Contribute technical expertise to strategic planning, innovation initiatives, and investment decisions.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid family leave
• Paid holidays including a two-week paid winter break
• Health insurance options including PPO and HSA plans with dental coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager