Data Scientist

Rice University•Houston, TX

1d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Institutional Data, Evaluation, Analytics, and Strategy (IDEAS) seeks a versatile data professional who translates advanced analytics and predictive modeling into scalable, actionable solutions for campus partners. Working under the guidance of the Director of the Sallyport Fellows Program and the Lead Data Scientist within IDEAS, the Data Scientist serves as an advanced analytics resource embedded within the Institutional Research and Analytics team. While housed in IDEAS, this position works in close collaboration with the Division of Student Life and Undergraduate Education and the Sallyport Fellows Program, applying predictive and statistical modeling to address complex research questions relevant to undergraduate student success and fellowship initiatives. This role is responsible for building sustainable, accurate data sources and developing scalable analytical solutions that directly inform strategies and decisions within these partner units. Additionally, the Data Scientist contributes to promoting reproducible research methodologies and a consistent advanced analytics framework across the team, leveraging domain expertise in higher education to deliver impactful, data-driven insights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (data science, statistics, social sciences, or related field)
Minimum of 4+ years of professional work experience in data management, data science, or analytical solution development
Demonstrated ability to partner with diverse stakeholders to translate complex business needs into clear technical specifications, analytical approaches, and decision-ready deliverables
Proficiency in Python and/or R to conduct advanced statistical and predictive modeling (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, forecasting). Ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies to solve institutional research questions
Advanced experience querying and transforming data within centralized enterprise data platforms, including strong SQL proficiency
Experience developing enterprise-scale dashboards (e.g., Tableau) and communicating complex findings through clear data visualization and narrative storytelling to executive audiences
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field (data science, statistics, social sciences, or related field)
Minimum of 5+ years of professional work experience in data management, data science, or analytical solution development
Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutional environments.
Experience working with student lifecycle, student administration data systems, and undergraduate student data
Doctoral degree is preferred

Responsibilities

Partners with campus leadership and subject matter experts to define analytical needs and clarify research questions. Independently determines appropriate analytical methodologies, modeling approaches, and data presentation strategies to deliver actionable solutions.
Designs and implements advanced statistical and predictive modeling approaches to address complex institutional questions. Applies appropriate modeling techniques, ensuring that models are interpretable, well-documented, and decision-relevant.
Designs and maintains scalable, reliable data pipelines and analytical workflows that support both descriptive reporting and predictive modeling. Automates data preparation and validation processes to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and long-term sustainability.
Guides the continued evolution of the team’s advanced analytics practice. Promotes reproducible research standards and supports the expansion of predictive and prescriptive analytical capabilities.
Develops comprehensive technical documentation and ensures analytical products meet institutional standards for data governance, accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility.
Contributes to special projects and emerging priorities as needed to advance departmental and institutional goals. Duties may expand or shift in alignment with strategic initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional priorities.