Job Description
Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Job Summary
Westat is seeking a Data Scientist to join our Statistics and Data Science team. The position involves programing in R, Python, and SQL; applying data science and artificial intelligence (AI) methods (e.g., natural language processing, machine learning, and large language models) to structured and unstructured data; data analytics, data visualization, and dashboard development with minimal oversight and supervision.
This role is based out of our Bethesda, Maryland office and will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement requiring 1-2 days onsite each week.
Job Responsibilities
* Develop and test R and Python to collect, process, link, and analyze data in various formats.
* Develop SQL code to query, process, and manage large data files in databases.
* Apply supervised and unsupervised machine learning frameworks to data collected from a variety of sources.
* Use natural language processing methods and large language models to clean, parse, link, summarize and analyze large and unstructured data.
* Collect/acquire data from a variety of sources including websites using Application Programming Interface (API) and web-scraping.
* Develop data visualizations and dashboards using open-source libraries in R and Python and proprietary software such as Tableau and PowerBI.
* Develop and maintain code documentation using Git, implement coding standards, and apply best practices.
* Present to internal and external clients.
* Engage in thought leadership via publications and conference presentations.
Basic Qualifications
* Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance, requiring consistent U.S. residency for the majority of the last five years.
* A bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics or other related quantitative field..
* 3-5 years of experience in data science or related projects.
* Proficiency in R, Python, SQL, and demonstrated experience in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau and PowerBI).
* Demonstrated experience developing machine learning and natural language processing methods.
* Developed, queried, and managed large data files in databases.
* Proven experience using Git as version control system.
Preferred Qualifications
* Current or recent Public Trust Clearance is preferred.
* Master's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics or other related quantitative field preferred.
* Experience working in a professional services research environment.
* Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies.
* Strong problem-solving abilities and experience in developing actionable insights from complex data.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
* Strong organizational skills, including time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and work both independently and in a team environment.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
- Sick Leave (9 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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Westat
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, parental leave, vacation time, sick time, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k), retirement plan
Feb 10, 2026