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.

Responsibilities:

• 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 analysis (EDA), DataOps, MLOps, cloud computing, automation, rapid prototyping, and interactive data visualization.
• Matrixed Project Management: Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, data engineers, software developers, designers, and subject matter experts, transitioning seamlessly between leadership and contributor roles as project needs require. Capable of serving as Data Science Task Lead on small to large, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Research Workflow Augmentation: Lead the development of domain-specific analytical applications by working directly with researchers to identify high-value automation and augmentation opportunities, design solutions, and iterate based on feedback. Take ownership of AI application areas such as systematic review acceleration, survey coding automation, proposal knowledge management, or research data quality assurance.
• Evaluation and Quality Assurance: Lead the development of evaluation frameworks for AI and ML systems, including automated regression testing, human-in-the-loop evaluation, cost/quality monitoring, and safety assessment. Establish quality standards appropriate for a research organization where AI outputs will be analyzed by statisticians, methodologists, and federal reviewers.
• Business Development: Regularly vet proposal opportunities, participate in opportunity assessments and Capture Teams, serve as Proposal Leader for small to medium sized opportunities, serve as section writer, serve on proposal review teams, and contribute to technical and budget volumes. Help frame, design, and cost out data science solutions based on client needs and problems to be solved.
• Client Engagement: Lead frequent meetings with internal and external clients, translate client needs into data science solutions, and represent RTI's data science and analytical capabilities in professional and scientific settings.
• Scientific Stature: Lead professional development efforts including presenting at key conferences, contributing to refereed publications (including as first author), writing blog posts and impact stories.
• Mentoring and Team Development: Mentor data science staff on projects, business development, professional development, and scientific stature. Lead code reviews, design reviews, and knowledge transfer sessions. Contribute to hiring by leading or participating in the interview process for data science positions.
• Innovation and Strategic Investment: Lead internal innovation initiatives and thoughtfully represent data science throughout RTI, including for RTI executives. Analyze, understand, and communicate gaps in RTI infrastructure, processes, and staff skills, and propose solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 12 years of experience, or a Master's degree and at least 10 years of experience, or a PhD and at least 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more advanced analytics or data science areas, such as AI and machine learning, generative AI and LLMs, NLP, or optimization with experience applying these approaches to complex research or client problems. Strong proficiency with modern open-source programming languages used in data science (Python and/or R).
• Working knowledge of shared version control (git).
• Experience using cloud-based analytical environments and collaborating with engineering teams to operationalize analytical or AI/ML workflows (AWS preferred, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, or equivalent).
• Excellent oral, written communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain AI system behavior, model limitations, and analytical findings to non-technical researchers and client stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and mentoring skills, including the ability to provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams. Experience contributing to proposals, technical writing, or business development in a research or client-contracting context.
• Ability to analyze macro issues, engage in big-picture strategic thinking, and communicate potential solutions to stakeholders at RTI and beyond.
• To qualify, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to domain expertise in health, omics, and life sciences, but expertise in education, social sciences, energy research or other areas where RTI operates (see rti.org/solutions) is also valuable.
• Experience with multi-agent frameworks.
• Experience with database systems (e.g. PostgreSQL or similar).
• Interest in growing into project or people management leadership roles.
• Experience with ETL pipelines and analyses using a wide variety of data sources (relational databases, text and unstructured files, sensor data, image/video data, streaming data).
• Experience with static and/or interactive data visualization methods and tools.

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For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.