Research Data Scientist

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.

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.

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.

• 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…