Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Data Scientist to join the Applied Research Laboratory's Information Advantage Office in Honolulu, HI. The role involves leading advanced analytics initiatives using Python, data science libraries, and visualization/BI tools to support mission-critical objectives with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community data. The candidate will conduct exploratory data analysis, develop interactive dashboards, build Python-based data pipelines, apply machine learning, and mentor junior team members.

Highlights

Design and conduct exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing to support analytic objectives
Develop interactive dashboards and visualizations with Power BI, Tableau, and Grafana
Build and optimize data pipelines using Python libraries: pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, matplotlib, seaborn, Plotly
Work with diverse data formats and databases including Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, and Accumulo
Apply data mining, statistical modeling, graph algorithms, and machine learning on large datasets
Mentor junior data scientists and analysts to uphold best practices in statistical rigor and code quality
Required skills include expertise in Python and machine learning libraries, strong BI tool proficiency, SQL and NoSQL experience, knowledge of cloud-native/containerized environments (e.g., Kubernetes), version control tools (Git, GitHub, Atlassian suite), and an active Top Secret DoD clearance
Preferred experience with DoD or Intelligence Community data such as SIGINT, GEOINT, MASINT, Multi-INT fusion, and active TS/SCI clearance
Master's degree required with 6+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Salary range: $86,300.00 - $129,500.00 with competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Data Scientist Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Data Scientist to be located in Honolulu, HI to join our Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You should possess deep expertise in Python, data science libraries, and visualization/BI tools to lead advanced analytics initiatives supporting mission-critical objectives. The ideal candidate brings both strong technical acumen and domain experience working with Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) data sources such as SIGINT, GEOINT, or other multi-INT data. This position may be filled as a Senior Data Scientist.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

Design and conduct exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing to support analytic objectives
Develop interactive dashboards and visualizations using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and Grafana, translating complex findings into actionable insights for senior decision-makers
Build and optimize Python-based data pipelines leveraging libraries such as pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, matplotlib, seaborn, and Plotly.
Work with diverse data formats (CSV, JSON, XML, Excel, etc.) and integrate across relational (Postgres, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Accumulo) databases
Apply advanced data mining, statistical modeling, graph algorithms, and machine learning to extract insights from large structured and unstructured datasets
Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, fostering best practices in statistical rigor, code quality, and reproducibility

Required skills/experience areas include:

Python expertise (primary language) with demonstrated use of data science and machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch or TensorFlow)
Strong skills in data visualization and BI tools: Power BI, Tableau, Grafana, or equivalent
Proficiency in SQL and experience with NoSQL databases
Solid foundation in probability, statistics, and applied machine learning techniques
Experience with data pipelines, APIs, and distributed systems in a production environment
Familiarity with cloud-native and containerized environments (e.g., Kubernetes) and associated observability stacks
Hands-on experience with configuration management and version control tools (e.g., Git, GitLab/GitHub, Atlassian suite)
Active Top Secret DoD Clearance
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills—able to brief senior leadership and mission partners
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
Collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions and mentor peers
Customer-focused, adaptable, and effective in interfacing with both corporate and government stakeholders
Exceptional technical writing skills for producing plans, reports, and documentation

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Direct experience with DoD or Intelligence Community data, including but not limited to SIGINT, GEOINT, MASINT, or Multi-INT fusion
Understanding of mission needs in defense, national security, or intelligence analysis
Active TS/SCI DoD clearance highly preferred

Your working location will be in Oahu, HI. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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Original Job Description