Data Science Instructional Specialist

Data Science Instructional Specialist

The Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science seeks a Data Science Instructional Specialist to support the development, modernization, and delivery of high-quality hybrid and online learning experiences for working professionals in data science as we expand our offerings of the MS in Data Science Degree. This position plays a critical role in converting existing and new graduate-level course content into engaging, accessible, and professionally produced online materials aligned with best practices in adult education.

The role collaborates closely with faculty, instructional designers, and program leadership to produce concept videos, code demonstration videos, learning assets, and assessments that support flexible, high‑impact learning for students balancing professional and academic responsibilities. Fully remote work may be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Demonstrated experience developing or supporting online or hybrid higher‑education courses, particularly in technical or quantitative domains related to data science.
• Proficiency with Canvas or a comparable learning management system.
• Hands‑on experience using Camtasia or similar software for video recording, editing, and instructional content production.
• Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to explain complex data science concepts clearly and effectively.
• Experience working collaboratively with faculty, instructional designers, or academic program teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Teams.

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Experience supporting graduate‑level or professional education programs.
• Familiarity with adult learning theory and instructional best practices for working professionals.
• Experience producing code‑focused instructional content (Python, R, SQL, data visualization).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards for online learning (captions, transcripts, universal design).
• Prior experience in data science, analytics, or computational research consulting organizations that solve applied problems.
• Comfort working in fast‑paced production cycles with defined timelines and deliverables.
• Coursework in machine learning, statistical/data science computing, and communication.
• Developing and teaching data science‑related short courses to applied problem solvers outside traditional data science fields.
• Experience creating course content using large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Google LLM and Natural Reader (or similar text‑to‑speech software).
• Experience using markdown languages (R‑markdown, Quarto, etc.) to create slides, reports, and/or graphics.
• Experience as a teaching assistant, instructor, or professor in an academic setting.

• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
• Salary:
  Starting at $70,000, commensurate with experience.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants based on age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation.