Data Scientist

**Company** Motiva Education is a consultancy that uses a research\-based, student\-centered, and data\-driven approach to help organizations effectively develop and deliver courses that enhance learner experiences, engagement, motivation, and outcomes. We leverage our understanding of learning sciences, emerging technologies such as AI, and human\-centered solution design to improve the learning journey across stakeholders, supporting: learners in enhancing their competencies; teaching staff in providing quality education at scale; and administrators in tracking and managing learner outcomes. **Role Description** We are consulting private and public US universities and looking for a Data Scientist to join our team on a part\-time basis (10\-20 hours/week). The goal of these projects is to integrate AI/machine learning/learning analytics capabilities into university infrastructure in order to (a) enhance learning outcomes for their students and (b) to make student success predictions easily accessible to key stakeholders. As part of the work, you will be collaborating with Motiva’s Research and Development Advisor, Dr. Ryan Baker, as well as the client’s Chief Technology Officer and technical team to analyze their data, develop ML models, and guide the university through the implementation. **Responsibilities:** * Help recommend, formulate, and manage data\-driven projects * Select and employ advanced statistical and machine learning (ML) procedures to obtain actionable insights * Analyze generalizability of models and present insights to team * Leverage insights to suggest approaches for integrating ML into the platform * Develop machine learning algorithms that support project objectives * Support in the development and deployment of production code * Produce and disseminate reports, detailing successes and limitations of each project * Manage/delegate tasks to and review work from Data Scientists in\-training **Qualifications:** * Master’s degree or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Learning Analytics, Statistics, Applied Math, or a related field OR Bachelor’s degree and 3\+ years of experience in data science, data analytics, machine learning, and/or learning analytics * 3\+ years of experience coding in R or Python (in an academic and/or work\-related context) * 2\+ years of experience in the edtech, K\-12, or higher education sectors is required * Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, distributed computing–both for data and optimization * Experience presenting to students, senior academics, leadership, or clients is required * Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English * DO NOT apply if your understanding of machine learning, learning analytics, and the inherent methodologies is not robust, or requires constant input from LLMs. The use of LLMs in actual work is acceptable, but only in a context where you fully understand the machine learning process, and all code produced, and the key choices made during implementation reflect *your* understanding rather than the LLM’s. This is a contract position and remote. International applicants are welcome, but must be willing to join meetings on USA Eastern Standard Time. If you’re interested, please submit (1\) your CV/resume and (2\) a 250\-word paragraph about your interest and qualifications for the role to ashley@motivaeducation.com Pay: $75\.00 \- $175\.00 per hour Expected hours: 10\.0 – 20\.0 per week Benefits: * Flexible schedule Work Location: Remote