Data Scientist

RESPONSIBILITIES

Kforce's client in Lansing, MI is seeking a Data Scientist with a strong foundation in statistics, probability, applied mathematics, and quantitative problem-solving.

Summary

This role is best suited for someone who can take ambiguous scientific or business problems, determine the appropriate mathematical or statistical approach, work through imperfect real-world data, and develop and validate defensible quantitative solutions. The ideal candidate does not need prior expertise in a specific business domain. More important is the mathematical, statistical, and computational depth to independently learn unfamiliar problem spaces and apply the appropriate methodologies. This role is centered on Data Science and Mathematics rather than pure ML/AI Engineering.

We are looking for someone who understands the reasoning and mathematics behind the models they build, rather than simply applying standard machine-learning libraries. The strongest candidates will demonstrate depth in quantitative modeling, statistical reasoning, experimental design, and mathematical problem-solving, along with the ability to communicate their approach clearly.

Candidates whose experience is primarily focused on dashboarding/BI, prompt engineering/GenAI, data engineering, GIS-only work, or software/MLOps engineering would need to demonstrate significant hands-on quantitative modeling and statistical reasoning to align with this role.

REQUIREMENTS

• Strong proficiency with Python and SQL
• Strong foundation in statistics, probability, and applied mathematics
• Experience developing and validating statistical and machine-learning models
• Experience working with messy, sparse, imbalanced, or otherwise imperfect real-world datasets
• Strong understanding of experimental design, model validation, uncertainty, and appropriate performance metrics
• Ability to translate ambiguous scientific or business problems into testable quantitative approaches
• Experience working with multiple types of data, such as tabular, time-series, spatial, sensor, spectral, or image data
• Ability to independently investigate unfamiliar technical problems and determine the appropriate mathematical or statistical methodology
• Strong programming and general computer science fundamentals
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Experience in one or more of the following areas is beneficial but not required:

• Geospatial analysis
• Environmental or weather data
• Time-series modeling
• Computer vision
• Hyperspectral or spectral data
• Risk modeling
• Optimization
• Scientific computing
• Production engineering

Successful candidates should be able to clearly articulate:

• A challenging quantitative problem they personally worked through
• Why they selected a particular statistical or mathematical methodology
• How they assessed whether the available data were sufficient and appropriate
• How they validated their conclusions, models, or results
• How they accounted for uncertainty, limitations, assumptions, or imperfect data
• What they would have done differently with better data or additional time

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions. Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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