Senior Data Scientist (Public Trust)

Location: Bethesda, MD (Hybrid)
Clearance: Public Trust (Role may require additional background investigations)
Employment Type: Full-Time

US Citizenship is Required

Position Overview:

Praescient Analytics is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist for support on a major federal data and analytics modernization program. This role leads the design, development, evaluation, and operationalization of advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI-driven analytics that directly support mission-critical decision-making in a regulated government environment.

The Senior Data Scientist plays a central role in advancing predictive analytics, real-time hazard detection, semantic analysis, and AI-enabled insight generation, working across large-scale structured and unstructured datasets. This position supports the federal client's transition to a cloud-native, open-source analytics ecosystem and contributes directly to improving speed, accuracy, and effectiveness of mission outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI models to support predictive analytics, anomaly detection, classification, regression, and clustering.
• Apply supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, including NLP and semantic analysis, to extract insights from structured and unstructured data sources.
• Conduct rigorous model evaluation using metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, AUC, and other performance and fairness indicators.
• Assess model robustness, bias, explainability, and suitability for use in high-impact decision-making environments.
• Perform advanced exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify patterns, anomalies, and relationships across diverse datasets.
• Develop compelling data stories that communicate complex analytical results to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Create dashboards, visualizations, and analytic products using Power BI or equivalent tools to support decision-making and executive briefings.
• Work closely with data engineers, AI/ML engineers, analysts, architects, and Agile project managers in an iterative delivery environment.
• Contribute to Agile ceremonies, backlog refinement, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to shared analytical standards and best practices.

Required Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum of 8+ years of hands-on experience developing advanced statistical and AI/ML models in production or mission-critical environments.
• Demonstrated experience building predictive, classification, NLP, and anomaly detection models.
• Proven ability to work with large, complex, and diverse datasets.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python, including libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch and/or TensorFlow).
• Experience using SQL for data extraction, transformation, and analysis.
• Hands-on experience in cloud-based analytics environments, preferably Microsoft Azure.
• Experience developing dashboards and analytic visualizations (Power BI or equivalent).
• Familiarity with Git-based version control and collaborative development workflows.

Communication & Leadership

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex analytical concepts into clear, decision-ready insights.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional and Agile teams.

Clearance: Minimum of a Public Trust (U.S. Citizenship is Required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience supporting federal, public-sector, or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with responsible AI frameworks, model governance, and ethical AI principles.
• Experience working with real-time or near-real-time analytics pipelines.
• Azure certifications (Data Scientist, AI Engineer, or related) are a plus.

What you can expect from us:

• Real opportunity for career growth in an environment where your achievements will be celebrated
• Constant collaboration with numerous teams to ensure client success
• A team that respects and embraces your ideas and expertise
• Coworkers that are motivated by pursuing excellence, rather than the prospect of personal gain
• A workplace dedicated to supporting and bettering public safety and government agencies

Benefits:

• Very competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive, Company paid healthcare for you (We pay your premiums and deductibles)
• 401(k) with company match
• Travel & performance incentives
• 3 weeks paid time off (plus Federal Holidays)
• $5K annual training allowance
• $500 book allowance

Praescient Analytics is a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) with over a decade of expertise in advanced analytics, engineering, and DevOps, specializing in transforming complex data into actionable intelligence for informed decision-making. Since 2011, we have supported over 40 organizations across diverse domains, including military intelligence operations, financial and fraud investigations, and insider threat detection.

Our team of experts-skilled in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, DevOps, and engineering-brings deep experience in solving complex challenges. With a proven track record in federal contracting, we deliver tailored, high-impact solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensure mission success, and address the evolving needs of our clients. Praescient's innovative and adaptive approach makes us a trusted partner in delivering data-driven insights and technological excellence for critical missions.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
US Citizenship Required
Interested Candidates: Please forward your resume to recruiting@praescientanalytics.com and please visit our website to apply online at www.praescientanalytics.applicantstack.com/x/openings.