Sr Associate Data Scientist

SAS • Cary, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Applied AI & Modeling (AAIM) team is looking for a Data Scientist to help advance a multi‑phase applied research and development effort focused on computer vision and machine learning for high‑impact real‑world data. Our team works at the intersection of advanced modeling, scalable AI systems, and domain‑driven problem solving, partnering closely with engineers and subject‑matter experts to turn emerging research into practical, measurable outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to build and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art vision models while working on problems that demand both technical depth and rigor. You will contribute to the evolution of existing prototypes into more robust, scalable solutions, gaining hands‑on experience with 3D vision, attention mechanisms, and modern deep learning architectures in a collaborative environment. This role is well‑suited for someone who wants to grow as an applied data scientist, learn how advanced AI systems are developed responsibly, and see their work directly influence the next stage of real‑world AI innovation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field
• Demonstrated experience applying computer vision and machine learning techniques to real‑world problems, including tasks such as image analysis, feature extraction, model training, and performance evaluation.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one modern deep learning or computer vision framework (e.g., Python‑based frameworks commonly used for CNN‑ or vision‑based modeling).
• Experience working with real‑world datasets, including data preparation, model evaluation using quantitative metrics, and result interpretation.
• Ability to analyze results, troubleshoot models, and clearly communicate technical findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• An equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience may be considered in place of the above qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with computer vision techniques for image segmentation, detection, or classification.
• Exposure to 3D modeling, such as 3D convolutional networks or multi‑dimensional image analysis.
• Familiarity with attention mechanisms or transformer‑based vision models.
• Experience working in collaborative research and innovative environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate machine learning and computer vision models to solve complex, real‑world problems using large and diverse datasets.
• Apply and extend modern deep learning techniques (e.g., convolutional models, 3D vision, attention mechanisms, transformer‑based approaches) to improve model accuracy, robustness, and scalability.
• Analyze model performance using appropriate quantitative metrics, identify failure modes, and iterate on solutions based on experimental findings.
• Collaborate with fellow data scientists, software engineers, and cross‑functional partners to integrate models into end‑to‑end analytical workflows.
• Contribute to well‑documented, reproducible modeling pipelines and clearly communicate insights, tradeoffs, and results to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ensure all applicable security policies and development processes are followed to support the organization’s secure and responsible software development goals.
• Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity, and accountability - our values that guide how we work, learn, and innovate together.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental and vision plans.
• Medical plan options include: PPO with low annual deductible and copays.
• HDHP combined with a health savings account with a contribution from SAS (no access to on-site health care center).
• Onsite Health Care Center (HQ) that’s free to employees and family members enrolled in the PPO plan. There's a pharmacy too! Not local to HQ? The pharmacy will ship prescriptions for no additional charge!
• An industry-leading 401k plan.
• Tuition Assistance Program and programs and resources to support your development
• Generous time away including vacation time, a variety of paid holidays, and our much-loved U.S. Winter Wellness Break between December 25 and January 1.
• Volunteer Time Off, parental leave and unlimited paid sick days.
• Generous childcare benefits for all full-time employees.

What This Job Offers

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