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Data Scientist Contract Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Data Scientist

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

As a Data Science Expert, you combine advanced data science and business analytics experience to ... Operating within Contract Testing Services, you turn complex datasets into actionable insights ...

Data Scientist

Arlington, VA ยท Hybrid

$75K - $127K/yr

MANTECH International Corporation seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Data Scientist to ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Data Scientist

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Data Scientist will play a crucial role in providing: * Data Acquisition, Analytics, and ... contract requirements. Outstanding Performance...Always! Our corporate motto represents our ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Data Scientist LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Data Scientist LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist Location: McLean, VA Type ... Contract To Hire Compensation: Not specified Work Model: Remote Hours: 40.0 Clearance: Must be ...

Data Scientist

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

MANTECH International Corporation seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Data Scientist to ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Data Scientist

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Data Scientist LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Scientist Contract information

See Reston, VA salary details

$39K

$127.7K

$204.4K

How much do data scientist contract jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for data scientist contract in Reston, VA is $127,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data scientist contract?

Data Scientist contract jobs are temporary positions where professionals analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. Unlike full-time roles, contract data scientists are hired for a specific period, often to work on particular projects or to provide specialized expertise. These contracts can range from a few months to a year or more, and may be offered through staffing agencies, consultancies, or directly by companies. Contract roles offer flexibility and exposure to diverse industries, but typically do not include employee benefits such as health insurance or paid time off.

What does a contract data scientist do?

As a contract data scientist, your job is to provide independent support to a client for a freelance project or assignment. In this role, you may analyze a database to obtain useful information, use statistics to interpret the results, help identify trends within the industry, and make recommendations about the best course of action. Contract data scientists often help analyze historical data, build or refine templates and dashboards, assist full-time employees, and use predictive modeling to evaluate future company needs. The length of each contract varies, but it's possible to work with the same company for a year or more.

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

To thrive as a Data Scientist Contract, you need a strong background in statistics, data analysis, and programming, usually supported by a degree in a quantitative field. Proficiency with tools such as Python, R, SQL, machine learning libraries, and data visualization platforms is typically required, along with knowledge of cloud-based data environments. Excellent problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you translate complex data findings into actionable business insights. These skills ensure that contract data scientists can quickly deliver high-impact solutions and integrate seamlessly into diverse project teams.

What are some common challenges faced by data scientists working on a contract basis, and how can they be addressed?

Contract data scientists often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams and workflows, managing varying project scopes, and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds. To address these, it's important to establish clear objectives and deliverables at the outset, maintain proactive communication, and document work thoroughly. Building strong relationships with both technical and non-technical team members can also help ensure project success and smooth collaboration.

What is the difference between Data Scientist Contract vs Data Analyst Contract?

AspectData Scientist ContractData Analyst Contract
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields; experience with machine learningBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related fields; proficiency in data visualization and SQL
Work EnvironmentAdvanced analytics, predictive modeling, machine learning projectsData cleaning, reporting, data visualization tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, consultingRetail, marketing, finance, government agencies

Data Scientist Contract roles focus on advanced analytics and machine learning, requiring higher-level skills and credentials. Data Analyst Contract positions involve data reporting and visualization, often with less emphasis on predictive modeling. Both roles are common in various industries, but they differ in complexity and scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Data Scientist Contract jobs in Reston, VA?

For Data Scientist Contract jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Data Scientist Contract jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Data Scientist Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Scientist Contract job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,692 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Data Scientist

Merck Group

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Combine advanced data science and business analytics to generate actionable insights.

  • Design, build, and maintain interactive dashboards to communicate key performance indicators.

  • Curate large datasets, perform statistical analyses, and develop machine learning and AI models.


Job description

Work Location: Rockville, Maryland
Shift: No
Department: LS-AS-TTA CTS Data, AI & Digital Platform
Recruiter: Nick Dubey
This information is for internals only. Please do not share outside of the organization.
Your Role:
As a Data Science Expert, you combine advanced data science and business analytics experience to generate actionable insights that accelerate development, optimize business strategies and support key business decisions. Operating within Contract Testing Services, you turn complex datasets into actionable insights through exploratory data analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms. You will design, build, and maintain interactive dashboards to communicate key performance indicators across functions, including marketing, sales, R&D, operation and IT. By leading data management and evaluating emerging AI and analytics tools, your efforts directly streamline operations and deliver a competitive edge in the life science market. Additional responsibilities include:
  • Curate large datasets, perform statistical analyses, and run proof-of-concept tests for laboratory and business solutions.
  • Design, build, and refine machine learning and artificial intelligence models for marketing, operation, R&D, and supply chain optimization.
  • Work closely with business experts, lab operation, researchers, and software engineers, in agile team settings.
  • Create interactive dashboards and reports to communicate key findings and metrics to stakeholders.
  • Own and drive data standards, pipelines, and architecture quality across projects.
  • This is an on-site position located in Rockville, MD.

Who You Are
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or other information technology discipline OR Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or other mathematics discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience in data science or analytics roles.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Biostatistics or Data Science.
  • Highly proficient with Palantir Foundry, Tableau, or Power BI for interactive dashboard creation.
  • Proficient in Python, SQL, and predictive machine learning algorithms.
  • Experience within life science or pharmaceutical industries.
  • Experience in a GxP or similarly regulated environment.
  • Expertise in exploratory data analysis and predictive modeling.
  • Adept at cross-functional collaboration and translating data for stakeholders.
  • Deeply curious and interested in adopting advanced technologies.

Pay Range for this position: $95,100 - $142,600.
The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here: https://careers.emdgroup.com/us/en/benefits
The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and programs relating to recruitment and hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Any applicant or employee who believes they have been discriminated against by the Company or anyone acting on behalf of the Company must report any concerns to their Human Resources Business Partner, Legal, or Compliance immediately. The Company will not retaliate against any individual because they made a good faith report of discrimination.