Job Description:

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture 

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. 

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. 

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO  

As a Sr Data Scientist, you will assist organizational decision-making by providing and explaining data in an easily consumable format and translating internal customers’ business requirements into technical requirements. The Sr Data Scientist will be responsible for executing Ascend data science projects, applying advanced analytical methods as needed, and conducting proof of concept research for new product initiatives. You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of business goals, and product data flow, and partner closely with the product engineering team on core machine learning algorithm integration and user experience evaluation. This position will require data collection, defining analysis requirements, building and maintaining models, and building Responsible AI/ML solutions. The Senior Data Science position will report to the Director of AI/ML and will work with the agile data science/AI team, and coordinate with other teams that have a stake in the development process. 

WHERE YOU’LL WORK 

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Burlington, MA or Leawood, KS office location preferred. Remote will be considered within the United States.  

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME 

• Lead the development and deployment of advanced analytics models and machine learning algorithms to solve business problems. 


• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and identify opportunities to leverage data to build data-driven products that optimize outcomes.  


• Conduct experiments and rapid prototyping and implementation of the final solution.  


• Collaborate with cross-functional team to develop state-of-the-art AI/ML products  – from data acquisition and pre-processing to model development and deployment for real-time insights.  


• Take ownership of defining project milestones, and timelines, and ensuring successful delivery within specified deadlines. 


• Contribute to the development and maintenance of coding standards, best practices, and documentation.  


• Stay up to date with the latest AI/ML developments and trends.  


• Communicate advanced analytical research findings and model outcomes into simple conclusion that empowers others to take decisions and action based on insights shared. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 

• Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence or a closely related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience will be considered. 


• 8+ years of experience in advanced analytics and data science role with proven track record of successful projects implementation. 


• Proficient in Python, SQL, machine learning, statistical data analysis, A/B testing, and building end-to-end ML  


• Experience with common data science toolkits such as NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Spark ML, Azure ML, etc.  


• Strong knowledge of modern NLP techniques such as Transformers, Large Language Models, and Machine learning and Deep Learning fundamentals.  


• Experience working with relational databases (SQL Server) and datasets of varying degrees of size and complexity including both structured and unstructured data (email, documents, chats). 


• Experience with Snowflake is a plus.  


• Experience with the LLM, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning foundational model is a plus. 


• Proven ability to translate innovative ideas into practical, scalable solutions. Intrinsic motivation with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the organization.  


• Excellent problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, and an aptitude for innovation. 


• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate difficult technical topics to everyone from data scientists and engineers to business partners. This includes excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.  


• Impact-oriented and user-focused, team-first mindset. 

BENEFITS 

• Flexible and generous paid time off  


• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance  


• 401(k) employer matching program 


• Parental leave 


• Wellness resources 


• Charitable matching program 


• Hybrid work  


• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington) 


• Community outreach groups 


•  Tuition reimbursement 

Fostering A Sense of Belonging 

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.  

About Ascend Learning 

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. 

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. 

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