Data Scientist Assistant (Part-Time)

AIR’s Tek Office is seeking a part-time Data Scientist Assistant to join its forward-thinking and innovative team of data scientists and software engineers. Our team works on innovative projects that advance our organization. Data scientists at AIR use a blend of technology skills and theory to contribute to cutting-edge research design, implementation, and capacity building. The position will support market intelligence tool development and other agentic, deep-learning, and language-model based solutions. The Data Scientist Assistant will support projects by building cloud-based and on-premises applications. 

Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs.

This part-time position offers hybrid work flexibility, requiring three days per week in AIR’s Crystal City, Virginia office. This position is expected to run from September 2026 through December 2026.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of AI- and ML-based workflows, including applications of large language models, generative AI, and multi-agent or human-in-the-loop systems.
• Build cloud applications and data pipelines using platform-as-a-service and/or open-source tools.
•  Architect, design, and build components of AI applications.
• Utilize external resources to supplement, organize, and contribute to tasks and projects. 
• Analyze data outputs.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, such as Computer Science, Physics, or Data Science.
• Experience with Python to develop workflows.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools and applications for practical use cases.

Skills

• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to apply creative problem-solving techniques.
• Good communicator with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels and backgrounds, including virtual environments, and to convey complex technical concepts clearly and accurately in plain language.
• Interest in exploring and developing innovative tools for data-driven applications.
• Strong team player who collaborates effectively, fosters a positive work environment, and supports shared goals.

Disclosures:  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at [email protected]  or call 202.403.5000.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:  AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example [email protected] is correct and [email protected] is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to [email protected]. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

Anticipated Hourly Rate Range

$39—$41 USD