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Data Science Leader Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Oversees data science techniques for cybersecurity solutions, building on Level 2 responsibilities. * Leads teams to extract, transform, load, analyze, and interpret IA data, provide reports on ...

Data Scientist II independently performs data analysis and modeling to support mission outcomes, providing actionable insights to government and program leadership. Data Scientist III independently ...

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$105K - $215K/yr

Data Scientist II independently performs data analysis and modeling to support mission outcomes, providing actionable insights to government and program leadership. Data Scientist III independently ...

Data Science SME Lead

Springfield, VA · On-site

$120 - $189/hr

Why This Role Matters This is a hands‑on leadership role for an experienced Data Science professional who can guide a team, teach advanced mission concepts, and help shape high‑quality learning ...

Where the Senior Solutions Architect provides architectural stewardship over the data infrastructure layer, the Senior Data Science Consultant leads to the analytical application layer building ...

In this role, you will apply data science techniques and methods and leverage a suite of data-driven tools to aid the client's service leadership and subject matter experts to increase decision space ...

Data Scientist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

In this role, you will apply data science techniques and met hods and leverage a suite of data-driven tools to aid the client's service leadership and subject matter experts to increase decision ...

In this role, you will apply data science techniques and methods and leverage a suite of data-driven tools to aid the client's service leadership and subject matter experts to increase decision space ...

... leadership, and software development * Contribute to the product roadmap both near-term tactical and longer-term strategic levels * Experiment with a range of data science techniques to produce ...

In this role, you will apply data science techniques and met hods and leverage a suite of data-driven tools to aid the client's service leadership and subject matter experts to increase decision ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Science Leader information

What is a data science leader?

A Data Science Leader is responsible for guiding teams in leveraging data to drive business decisions and innovation. They oversee data strategy, mentor data scientists, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that data-driven solutions align with company goals. Their role blends technical expertise with leadership, requiring strong skills in analytics, machine learning, and communication.

What are some common challenges faced by data science leaders, and how can they navigate them?

Data Science Leaders often face challenges such as aligning team efforts with business goals, managing diverse technical skill sets, and ensuring project stakeholders understand complex analytical insights. Balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities requires strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, staying current with rapidly evolving tools and methodologies is essential for maintaining a team's competitive edge. Leveraging open communication, encouraging ongoing professional development, and building strong cross-functional relationships can help leaders successfully navigate these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data science leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Science Leader, you need deep expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and data analytics, usually supported by advanced degrees in data science or related fields. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or R, experience with big data tools (e.g., Spark, Hadoop), and certifications such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) are commonly expected. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team leadership skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are critical for driving impactful data solutions, fostering innovation, and effectively guiding teams to deliver on business objectives.

What does a data science leader do?

A data science leader oversees data science teams, develops strategies for data analysis, and ensures the effective use of data to support business goals. They often coordinate projects, communicate insights to stakeholders, and have expertise in statistical methods, machine learning, and data management tools. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a solid understanding of data science techniques are essential for this role.

What jobs does data science leader lead to?

A data science leader typically advances to senior roles such as Director of Data Science, Chief Data Officer, or Vice President of Data. These positions involve overseeing data strategy, managing teams, and aligning data initiatives with business goals, often requiring strong leadership, technical expertise, and experience with analytics tools and programming languages like Python or R.

What job categories do people searching Data Science Leader jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Science Leader jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Data Science Leader job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Data Science Lead, Personnel Health Research & Data Analytics

Fors Marsh Group

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Job description

Data Science Lead: Personnel Health Research & Data Analytics, Military (Washington, D.C.)
WHO WE ARE: At Fors Marsh, we take on issues that matter. We are a team of researchers, strategists, and communicators working together to drive lasting change. We look at human behavior from all angles with a deep understanding of people and context to design solutions that influence decision-making and move people to action. Our work promotes health and well-being, shapes resilient communities, and builds effective and accountable institutions. We are a certified B Corporation and a Top Workplace for 7 consecutive years.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Fors Marsh is seeking an intelligent and motivated Researcher for a senior position with a background in quantitative social science or data science. This individual's primary responsibility would be to support a portfolio of quantitative social science and data science research projects for our Personnel Health Research & Data Analysis (PHRDA) team. PHRDA bridges the gap between social science and data science, leveraging innovative analytics tools for research committed to improving the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for Service members and DoW personnel. We routinely synthesize diverse sources of information, including administrative, survey, and text data and distill complex information for policymakers. We also support a wide variety of data science and operational tasks that enable our clients to successfully and efficiently collect, integrate, manage, and maintain a variety of administrative and survey data sources.
This individual's primary responsibility would include providing subject matter expertise and methodological expertise in areas such as machine learning, data wrangling, data management, advanced quantitative analysis, text analysis, automation, and artificial intelligence. This role will also involve overseeing a large project of foundational data science capabilities and will include leading a team of researchers, analysts, and data scientists as well as frequent engagement with clients. This individual should be equal parts social scientist, data scientist, and project manager. This job is best for someone who enjoys solving challenging problems with a large methodological toolkit, a high degree of intellectual curiosity, and thrives in a collaborative environment.
Responsibilities include:
  • Analytical and Technical Skills
    • Apply sophisticated principles in the fields of data science, quantitative social science, and/or programming to social science research projects and data science operational projects
    • Serve as the technical lead on research projects with a data science focus
    • Designing analytic solutions to ambiguous research questions and goals that may include techniques such as multi-level modeling (e.g., cross-classified random effects, linear mixed effects), data reduction (e.g., PCA, factor analysis, clustering), predictive model selection (e.g., LASSO, Ridge), natural language processing, and/or machine learning techniques
    • Interpret results from data analyses to identify patterns, solutions, and recommendations; distill complex analyses and associated results for technical and non-technical audiences
    • Communicate trade-offs associated with analytic approaches to technical and non-technical audiences
    • Oversee survey workflows focused on population specification and sample frame development, including identifying relevant data sources, cleaning, deduplication, and frame quality checks
    • Leverage AI tools to accelerate research, analysis, and reporting; lead the development internal prototypes and proofs of concept; enhance client offerings and expand AI capabilities; train other team members to build further AI proficiency
    • Oversee work in R, Python, and Databricks to execute automation tasks, R package creation, data wrangling, exploratory data analysis, and executing advanced analyses
  • Project Management
    • Oversee large, complex project to include developing task plans and timelines, implementing scope and financial controls, aligning staffing resources to project technical requirements, and ensure rigorous and timely delivery of all deliverables
    • Lead a matrixed team of data scientists, researchers, and analysts to include delegating tasks and overseeing task and project completion, providing support, guidance, and mentorship to junior team members
    • Collaborate with other project leaders and supervisors across the organization to accomplish project resourcing needs
  • Client and Stakeholder Interaction and Communication
    • Develop a deep understanding of client mission and objectives; directly interface with client teams and build strong, trusting relationships with clients to collaboratively accomplish project goals
    • Ensure client satisfaction with all project deliverables
    • Lead the development of client briefings and reports and mentor team members to deliver high-impact briefings to clients
    • Oversee the preparation of reports for technical and non-technical audiences
    • Respond to client requests for information and proposals and ad hoc requests
  • Supervisory Responsibilities and Team Orientation
    • Oversee a small team of data scientists and analysts
    • Work collaboratively with a mixed team of data and social scientists, cultivate a productive, growth-oriented work environment, propel team development

Qualifications:
  • Master's degree required; PhD preferred in a heavily quantitative social science (e.g., sociology, political science, psychology), data science, or related field
  • A minimum of four years of post-graduate applied research experience leading applied research projects
  • Experience managing multiple concurrent work streams, delegating and overseeing tasks, and supervisory experience
  • Experience interfacing directly with clients, overseeing high-quality deliverable creation, and ensuring projects align with client expectations and quality standards
  • Proficiency with AI-enabled tools
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse data sources, including survey, personnel, administrative, and text data
  • Working knowledge of survey workflows supporting population definition, sample frame construction, and feature table creation to assist in survey package and tool development (R and Python)
  • Willingness and ability to learn new analytic approaches, methods, and research topic areas
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to describe technical concepts and results to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot barriers as they arise
  • Experience working in R/R Studio required
  • Experience with Databricks required
  • Experience with Python required
  • Experience with SQL preferred
  • Experience with Gitlab preferred
  • Applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility criteria for access to sensitive information.
  • Ability to work on-site in the Washington D.C. area 2-3 days a week.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and consent to a full background check due to our federal contract requirements.

We Offer:
Our benefits typically meet or exceed our competitors' packages. What's in it for you?
• Ability to make an impact on people's lives, both internal and external to the organization.
• Top-tier health and dental covered at 100% for employee coverage.
• Additional vision, and long and short-term disability options.
• Our company culture, which values balance and allows each employee to take leave as they require it to balance the responsibilities of both their work and home lives without worrying about depleting their available leave hours.
• A floating holiday bank so you can celebrate the days you value.
• Generous matching retirement contributions and no vesting period starting the third month of employment.
• Dedicated training and development budgets to expand your expertise and grow your skillset.
• You can volunteer your way with paid time off.
• You can participate in Fors Marsh staff-led affinity groups.
• Our employees receive product and service discounts through the certified B Corp network.
Salary:$100,000-$120,000 annual
Internal Fors Marsh Career Map Title: Senior Scientist II
Location: Hybrid. Individuals are expected to go into a federal government building in Alexandria, VA, and work on-site 2-3 days a week during business hours. #LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.