Data Science Associate I

Description

Job Title: Data Science Associate I          Date: 08/19/2026                         Position: Full-Time

Reports to: Data Scientist Lead              Department: Data Science        Travel: No

Status: Exempt – Professionals              Compensation: Salary                Remote: No 

Our Mission

The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to …

• Believe the best in our employees
• Invest in our people
• Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation
• Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity

A Place Where Creativity and Curiosity Matter

The Data Science Associate I develops analytical solutions that support decision-making across the organization. This role applies statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization to translate complex data into actionable insights.

What You’ll Invest In:

The Data Scientist will carry out these responsibilities:

• Collect, clean, integrate, and analyze structured and unstructured data from multiple sources.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends, relationships, anomalies, and opportunities.
• Develop, evaluate, and refine statistical and machine learning models for organizational use cases.
• Translate business and educational questions into clear analytical approaches, measures, and deliverables.
• Create reproducible analyses, visualizations, dashboards, and reports that communicate results effectively.
• Evaluate model and analytical performance using appropriate metrics, validation methods, and sensitivity checks.
• Partner with data engineers and analysts to support reliable data pipelines and data-quality controls.
• Present findings, limitations, and recommendations to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Document data sources, assumptions, methods, code, model decisions, and findings clearly and accurately.
•  Contribute to code reviews, testing, version control, and shared analytical standards.
• Stay current with emerging data science methods, tools, responsible AI practices, and industry trends.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

Requirements

We Believe the Best:

Portage Learning is seeking a candidate who exemplifies our mission, vision, philosophy, and goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of professional experience in data science, analytics, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing real-world datasets and presenting actionable insights.
• Demonstrated experience building and evaluating statistical or machine learning models.
• Successful completion of a background check and current and/or ability to obtain the following clearances: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A portfolio, work sample, academic research, or comparable evidence of applied data science experience.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Python or R and working knowledge of SQL.
• Experience with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, or comparable tools.
• Working knowledge of statistical inference, experimental design, machine learning, and data modeling.
• Experience with Tableau or similar visualization tools.
•  Ability to evaluate data and model quality, recognize limitations, and communicate uncertainty.
• Familiarity with Git, reproducible workflows, and testing practices.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and documentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining technical results to varied audiences.
•  Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.

At Portage Learning, we invest in our team members. All employees can grow professionally through our career progression tracks, professional development, and by utilizing our higher education assistance program.

Our inclusive culture drives our mission to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. For those with a disability, we offer accommodation during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview and onboarding.

Collaborating with a Team that Values Humility, Respect, and Appreciation

Portage Learning operates in a professional, collaborative environment where meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community are valued. We foster a welcoming, team-oriented culture that encourages connection, mutual support, and shared success while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, excellence, and respect in all we do.

This is a full-time position. Portage Learning typically operates Mondays to Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employee schedules may vary within those hours. All staff members must attend required meetings and training at the office in Chippewa Township, PA.

Portage Learning is an equal-opportunity employer, extending opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, place of birth, disability, handicap, age, genetic information, use of a guide or support animal, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and accompanies the institution’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory, harassing, and retaliatory practices.

Travel:

This job may require occasional travel outside of the office and may require an overnight stay. Travel would be primarily local during the business day, which may entail one or more overnight stays. Travel on one or more days of a weekend may occur occasionally.

Other Duties Disclaimer:

This is not an all-inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, or demands may be added or changed to this document on an as-needed basis in order to meet organizational goals.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.