Data Scientist

Application Review Date: 12/1/2025

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Job Description

The Data Scientist for the Office of the Provost at Radford University will lead data-driven initiatives to optimize student success, career readiness, and institutional effectiveness. This role involves managing and integrating data from platforms like the RU Data Warehouse, Assessments, Handshake, Banner, Raiser’s Edge, Internbridge, Hanover, and Lightcast, developing systematic data collection plans, and creating actionable insights through advanced analytics and visualization tools such as Python, SQL, Snowflake, Power BI, Tableau, etc. The idea candidate will possess strong project management skills, experience with data warehousing, and a deep understanding of database management. The ideal candidate will also need strong problem solving and communication skills. They will collaborate with various departments to ensure accurate data reporting and support the strategic goals of the university, particularly in tracking and enhancing student engagement and experiential learning outcomes as well as supporting the Curriculum Lifecycle and the Strategic Plan. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Effectiveness, this position will also be responsible for benchmarking equitable student access and participation, with the ability to compare metrics with the Commonwealth and national data.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience in project management, benchmarking, data collection and analysis, data warehousing/data modeling, relational databases, data visualization techniques, forecasting and reporting. Strong understanding of database management systems and ETL processes.
• Experience in relationship management and data integration.
• Experience in Machine Learning techniques such as classification, regression, decision trees, neural nets, large language models, recommender systems, natural language processing, clustering, anomaly detection, sequential pattern discovery, text mining, and familiar with the latest trends and applications of generative AI.
• Experience with open source or commercial data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, etc., and ability to create interactive, user-friendly compelling dashboards and reports.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities in a complex work environment, focusing on high-value activities.
• Expertise in statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and predictive modeling.
• Basic understanding of software testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Snowflake, and web development principles to effectively communication and collaborate with technical teams.
• Motivated Self Starter, comfortable navigating through ambiguity to evaluate complex data and analyze data from multiple angles and deliver insights that directly impact the University.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and make independent decisions exercising sound judgement.
• Meticulous with demonstrated writing, editing, verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a group toward the successful completion of a project.

Must be a current Radford University employee to apply.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Agency only recruitment; must be a current Radford University employee to apply. Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Employment Conditions: Agency only recruitment; must be a current Radford University employee to apply.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule:

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Institutional Effectiveness

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Department Contact Name: Jessica Stowell

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-5119

Department Contact Email: jstowell1@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.