Data Science Associate; Part-Time

AIR’s Tek Office is seeking a part-time Data Science Associate to join its forward-thinking and innovative team of data scientists and software engineers. Our team works on innovative projects that advance our organization and partners with clients to deliver innovative data collection, communication, learning, user experience, and data-driven solutions across web, mobile, analytics, and data management platforms. Data scientists at AIR use a blend of technology skills and theory to contribute to cutting-edge research design, implementation, and capacity building.

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

This remote position requires flexibility to work from AIR’s Crystal City office. This part-time position is expected to run from September 2026 through May 2027.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a non‑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 key responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to

• Build cloud applications and data pipelines using platform-as-a-service and/or open-source tools.
• Develop visualizations, dashboards, and reports using open-source and/or business intelligence tools.
• Support efforts to collect, compile, validate, interpret, and analyze data using standard practices and techniques.
• Assist with computer modeling and simple to moderately complex forecasting using standard software packages.
• Contribute to quantitative and/or qualitative analysis using standard techniques and methods. Work independently and collaboratively on moderately complex assignments under indirect supervision.
• Create replicable, well‑documented code in a shared environment.
• Coordinate project support needs and requests from senior management and clients.
• Develop systems to maintain and verify the accuracy of data for assigned projects.
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects.
• Present and occasionally support or organize content for internal and external meetings.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for research applications.
• Review and optimize code written by others.
• Provide innovative and appropriate solutions to complex problems.
• The scope of responsibilities may be modified as business needs evolve.

• Master’s degree in computer science-related fields (e.g., Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science) and enrolled in a PhD program.
• Experience with cloud platforms including AWS, GCP, and Azure; hands‑on exposure to Azure OpenAI API is preferred, but not required.

• Solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to apply creative problem‑solving techniques.
• Strong communicator with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels and diverse backgrounds, including virtual environments, and to convey complex technical concepts clearly and accurately in plain language.
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and contribute to shared goals in a virtual environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working in dynamic environments and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Proficient with database technologies such as MySQL and MS SQL Server.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and applications for practical use cases.
• Knowledge of Python web frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask) is…