Data Scientist Assistant; Part-Time

AIR’s Tek Office is seeking a part-time Data Scientist Assistant to join its forward-thinking and innovative team of data scientists and software engineers. Our team works on innovative projects that advance our organization. Data scientists at AIR use a blend of technology skills and theory to contribute to cutting‑edge research design, implementation, and capacity building. The position will support market intelligence tool development and other agentic, deep‑learning, and language‑model based solutions.

The Data Scientist Assistant will support projects by building cloud‑based and on‑premises applications.

Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs.

This part‑time position offers hybrid work flexibility, requiring three days per week in AIR’s Crystal City, Virginia office. This position is expected to run from September 2026 through December 2026.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not‑for‑profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data‑driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of AI‑and ML‑based workflows, including applications of large language models, generative AI, and multi‑agent or human‑in‑the‑loop systems.
• Build cloud applications and data pipelines using platform-as-a-service and/or open-source tools.
• Architect, design, and build components of AI applications.
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects.
• Analyze data outputs.

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, such as Computer Science, Physics, or Data Science.
• Experience with Python to develop workflows.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and applications for practical use cases.

• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to apply creative problem‑solving techniques.
• Good communicator with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels and backgrounds, including virtual environments, and to convey complex technical concepts clearly and accurately in plain language.
• Interest in exploring and developing innovative tools for data‑driven applications.
• Strong team player who collaborates effectively, fosters a positive work environment, and supports shared goals.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full‑time basis. Employment‑based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone or call .

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.

This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

$39 — $41 USD