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Director Data Science Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Fidelity Investments

Director, Data Science

Boston, MA · On-site

Principal Data Scientist - Quantitative Decision Science & Advanced Analytics Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Are you interested in operating as a senior ...

Fidelity Investments

Director, Data Science

Boston, MA · On-site

Principal Data Scientist - Quantitative Decision Science & Advanced Analytics Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Are you interested in operating as a senior ...

Formation Bio

Director, Data Science

Boston, MA · On-site

$235K - $307K/yr

About the Position As the Director of Data Science at Formation Bio, you will be at the forefront of revolutionizing drug development through AI and advanced analytics. In this role, you'll lead ...

CookUnity

Director, Data Science/ML

Boston, MA · On-site

The role: We're looking for a Director, Data Science/ML who will drive CookUnity's next phase of product innovation through forward-looking data science capabilities. This role goes beyond ...

Inmar

Director, Data Science (MarTech)

Boston, MA

The Director, Data (MarTech) is responsible for applying data exploration and visualization, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and other data science techniques to explore, create, and ...

Novartis

Associate Director, Data Science

Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

$160K - $297K/yr

Associate Director Location: Cambridge, MA Novartis is a leader in data science and model-informed drug development. We are seeking an experienced Data Science leader to advance data-driven drug ...

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Director Data Science information

See Boston, MA salary details

$58.7K

$168.3K

$265.1K

How much do director data science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director data science in Boston, MA is $168,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,500.00 and $205,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director Data Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Data Science, you need a deep understanding of advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and data strategy, typically backed by an advanced degree in a quantitative field and significant leadership experience. Proficiency with tools such as Python, R, SQL, cloud data platforms, and familiarity with data governance frameworks and certifications like Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) are common requirements. Outstanding communication, stakeholder management, and team leadership abilities make candidates stand out in this position. These skills ensure the successful translation of complex data insights into actionable business strategies and the effective leadership of high-performing data science teams.

What does a data science director do?

A data science director oversees the data science team, develops strategic data initiatives, and ensures the effective use of data analytics to support business goals. They often manage projects, collaborate with other departments, and have expertise in statistical methods, machine learning, and data management tools. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for guiding teams and translating complex data insights into actionable strategies.

Can data scientists make $300k?

Data scientists, especially those in senior or specialized roles at large companies or in high-cost-of-living areas, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning and programming, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or equity compensation.

What is the 80 20 rule in data science?

In data science, the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts or features. Data scientists often use this rule to prioritize variables, focus on impactful data, and optimize models efficiently.

What is a Director Data Science job?

A Director of Data Science leads a team of data scientists and analysts to drive data-driven decision-making within an organization. They develop strategic initiatives, oversee machine learning and analytics projects, and collaborate with executives to align data efforts with business goals. The role requires expertise in data science, leadership, and communication to translate complex insights into actionable strategies.

What is the highest paid job in data science?

The highest paid roles in data science are typically senior positions such as Chief Data Officer or Director of Data Science, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning, and leadership capabilities, often complemented by advanced degrees and certifications.

What types of teams and professionals will I collaborate with as a Director Data Science?

As a Director Data Science, you will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams including business analysts, data engineers, software developers, product managers, and senior executives. Your role often involves translating business goals into data-driven strategies, as well as mentoring and guiding data scientists and analysts on your team. You may also work closely with stakeholders from marketing, operations, and finance to align analytics initiatives with organizational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters innovative solutions and ensures data science efforts have a meaningful impact on overall business performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Science jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Data Science jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Data Science jobs in Boston, MA? For Director Data Science jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Data Science jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Data Science jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Director Data Science jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Director Data Science job openings:
Director Data Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Data Science job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,245 per year, or $80.9 per hour.

Director, Data Science

Fidelity Investments

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 270 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 150 rated financial services

Job description


Principal Data Scientist - Quantitative Decision Science & Advanced Analytics
Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
Are you interested in operating as a senior scientific leader-owning truth, rigor, and decision quality for complex business problems? Fidelity Institutional's AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to serve as a highly tenured individual contributor and domain authority in data science, quantitative modeling, and advanced analytics.
This role is intentionally Data Science-first, with emphasis on hypothesis-driven analysis, statistical rigor, causal reasoning, and decision science. The Principal Data Scientist is accountable for what the model means, whether it is correct, and whether it should be trusted-not for building or operating production systems.
The Team
The Data Science function within the Fidelity Institutional AI CoE operates as the authority on measurement, experimentation, and quantitative decision-making. The team comprises senior data scientists, statisticians, and quantitative researchers who partner closely with platform, product, BI, and business teams, while maintaining clear ownership of scientific rigor, evaluation frameworks, and analytical truth.
As a Principal Data Scientist, you will operate as a scientific owner and mentor, influencing methodology, standards, and strategic direction across multiple initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Advanced Data Science & Quantitative Modeling
  • Lead hypothesis-driven analyses to answer high-impact strategic and business questions

  • Design, develop, and evaluate statistical, econometric, and machine learning models where appropriate

  • Ensure models are theoretically sound, empirically validated, interpretable, and fit-for-purpose

  • Review and challenge modeling approaches for bias, stability, assumptions, and misuse

Measurement, Evaluation & Decision Science
  • Define how success should be measured for complex analytics and AI-enabled initiatives

  • Design robust evaluation frameworks including offline validation, back-testing, and live measurement

  • Ensure stakeholders can distinguish correlation from causation in analytical results

  • Elevate analytics from prediction accuracy to decision quality and business impact

Experimentation & Causal Inference
  • Design and review experiments including A/B tests, quasi-experiments, and observational studies

  • Apply causal inference techniques (e.g., uplift modeling, DiD, matched controls) to assess incrementality

  • Guide best practices for power analysis, inference, and result interpretation

  • Serve as a subject-matter expert on "What worked, why, and by how much?"

Advanced Analytics Domains
  • Segmentation & Clustering: Design statistically grounded, interpretable segmentations with clear hypotheses and stability checks

  • Propensity, Likelihood & Uplift Modeling: Develop probabilistic and causal models to inform prioritization and intervention strategies

  • Recommendation & Prioritization Analytics: Guide recommendation logic rooted in statistics, behavioral science, and optimization-not black-box ML

  • Behavioral & Journey Analytics: Analyze longitudinal behavior patterns to identify drivers, frictions, and causal levers

  • Forecasting & Planning Analytics: Apply time-series and probabilistic forecasting with uncertainty and scenario analysis

  • Large Language Models & Generative AI: Design, evaluate, and implement LLM-based solutions - including RAG pipelines, classification, and extraction tasks - with rigorous benchmarking, calibration analysis, hallucination measurement, and bias auditing to ensure outputs are explainable.

Scientific Leadership & Governance (Non-Managerial)
  • Act as a senior reviewer and methodological authority across data science initiatives

  • Set informal standards for rigor, documentation, and reproducibility

  • Mentor senior and mid-level data scientists through technical guidance and peer review

Business Partnership & Influence
  • Translate complex quantitative results into clear, decision-oriented narratives for senior stakeholders

  • Challenge assumptions and narratives not supported by evidence

  • Influence strategy by grounding discussions in data, causality, and expected impact

Expertise and Skills You Bring
Education & Experience
  • Master's or PhD in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related quantitative discipline

  • 10-14+ years of experience in data science, quantitative research, or advanced analytics

  • Proven track record of owning complex analytical problems end-to-end (from question formulation to decision impact)

Core Data Science & Scientific Expertise
  • Deep expertise in statistics, probability, and experimental design

  • Strong command of causal inference and incrementality measurement

  • Solid grounding in forecasting, optimization, and decision science

  • Demonstrated ability to assess modeling correctness, assumptions, and limitations

Technical Foundation
  • Advanced proficiency in Python for analysis and modeling (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Statsmodels, Scikit-learn)

  • Strong SQL skills and experience working with large analytical datasets (e.g., Snowflake)

  • Hands-on proficiency with large language models and generative AI, including prompt design, retrieval-augmented generation, structured outputs, and agentic workflows, with demonstrated rigor in designing evaluations, defining task-specific metrics, and applying statistical testing to assess reliability, calibration, hallucination risk, and incremental value over non-generative approaches. Equally proficient in hands-on code development as well as the effective use of AI-powered coding assistants, applying both to accelerate analysis while maintaining correctness, reproducibility, and scientific rigor.

Ways of Working
  • Thinks like a scientist: hypothesis-first, evidence-driven, and principled

  • High bar for rigor, interpretability, and defensibility of results

  • Comfortable challenging senior stakeholders using data and logic

  • Values clarity, elegance, and correctness over technical novelty

  • Operates as a trusted expert rather than a delivery engineer

How This Role Is Distinct
  • Senior Individual Contributor: Tenured individual-contributor role with broad organizational influence

  • Data Science-First: Focused on analytics, statistics, causality, and decision science

  • Strategic Impact: Owns critical analytical questions that shape business decisions and investments

Fidelity's Onsite Working Model
Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.
The base salary range for this position is $126,000-255,000 USD per year.
Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate's relevant experience, and other factors.
Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.
We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career. Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.
Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.
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