Data Science Manager (On-Site)

This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified and other regulated technical information in accordance with applicable federal requirements. This role is not eligible for remote work and will be based onsite in Danville, Virginia.

The Pay, Perks, & Benefits 

• $123,600 - $132,450 annual salary
• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid family leave
• Paid holidays including a two-week paid winter break
• Health insurance options including PPO and HSA plans with dental coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking an experienced and innovative Data Science Manager to lead a team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and technical professionals supporting advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven solutions. This position combines people leadership, technical expertise, and project execution to deliver impactful outcomes for clients, stakeholders, and organizational initiatives.

How You Will Help the Team 
You will play a critical role in building organizational capability through strong leadership, technical excellence, and successful project execution. By mentoring team members, championing innovation, and driving high-quality outcomes, you will help advance IALR's mission while delivering meaningful value to clients and partners.

What You Will Do
As the Data Science Manager, you will lead a high-performing technical team while serving as the primary technical authority for data science and AI initiatives. You will guide project delivery, establish technical standards, and ensure the successful execution of complex analytics and machine learning projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and technical specialists.
• Oversee technical delivery and quality across multiple analytics, machine learning, and AI projects.
• Provide technical leadership for solution design, model development, deployment strategies, and AI governance.
• Establish and maintain best practices for coding standards, testing, documentation, and data governance.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and organizational leaders to translate business challenges into scalable analytical solutions.
• Support proposal development, grant applications, and business development efforts.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to expand organizational capabilities and services.
• Contribute technical expertise to strategic planning, innovation initiatives, and investment decisions

Qualifications

Your Knowledge and Expertise

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in data science, analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or related technical disciplines.
• At least three years of experience leading and managing technical teams.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex data science, machine learning, and AI projects from concept through deployment.
• Advanced proficiency with Python and modern data science tools and frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of machine learning, statistics, predictive modeling, optimization, and AI technologies.
• Experience with cloud-based AI and analytics platforms.
• Excellent communication, coaching, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams that include data scientists, machine learning engineers, software engineers, and data engineers.
• Experience supporting consulting engagements, proposal development, or grant-funded initiatives.
• Experience with MLOps, responsible AI, model governance, and production AI systems.
• Experience in manufacturing, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, process optimization, supply chain analytics, or related environments.
• Professional certifications in cloud computing, AI, machine learning, project management, or data science. 

What Makes Working Here Different
At IALR, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that advance innovation, technology adoption, and economic development. You'll collaborate with talented technical professionals, industry leaders, and partners across a variety of sectors while helping shape the future of applied AI, advanced analytics, and digital transformation initiatives. Our culture encourages collaboration, continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.