Data Scientist - natural language processing (NLP)

DRC is one of the largest educational assessment and curriculum/instruction companies in the industry.

Data Recognition Corporation - Maple Grove, MN
Data Scientist - Natural language processing (NLP)
Company cannot provide sponsorship
Please, no agencies

Summary:
DRC is seeking a Data Scientist who is passionate about education and excited to apply advanced analytics to real-world learning challenges. The Data Scientist will support research and product development efforts focused on assessment innovation. The ideal candidate will have 2 years of experience in data science roles involving machine learning and natural language processing (NLP).

Essential Position Responsibilities:

• Experience developing and testing production ready machine learning models, including NLP enhance assessment products and analytics
• Analyze complex data sets to uncover insights that drive product and research decisions
• Collaborate with psychometricians, engineers, and domain experts to develop data pipelines and tools that support large-scale assessment systems
• Clean, transform, and prepare educational data for modeling, visualization, and reporting
• Implement and monitor data workflows for production environments using modern tools and cloud platforms
• Communicate findings clearly through reports, dashboards, and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences

Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency with open-source statistical software (Python and/or R) for data manipulation and statistical modeling
• Exemplary oral and written communication skills
• 2 years of experience in a data science role, preferably in an applied setting.
• Strong knowledge of machine learning methods (e.g., classification, clustering, regression, deep learning).
• Hands-on experience with NLP techniques and large language models (e.g., transformers)
• Proficiency with data science tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates, Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Large language models (LLM)
• Background and experience in educational assessment and/or psychometrics is highly desirable.
• Experience working with educational assessment data or in the K–12 or higher education domain.
• Familiarity with psychometric concepts, learning analytics, or adaptive testing systems.
• Exposure to cloud platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Azure) for model deployment and data processing
• Experience working with version control (Git) and a collaborative development workflow
• Expertise with data visualization tools
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and communicate results effectively to diverse stakeholders

Essential Job Requirements:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Relate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groups
• Ability to consistently perform well during times of increased workload
• Set and meet deadlines
• Manage multiple job functions simultaneously

Reporting to this position: No direct reports

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hour periods of time.
• Ability to look at a computer monitor, utilize a keyboard and/or mouse for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as necessary.

DRC retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position
No Agencies, please
Company cannot provide sponsorship
datarecognitioncorp.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national original, disability, or status as a protected veteran

DRC offers a comprehensive benefits program that allows employees to make choices that best meet their current and future needs. We offer many benefits, including medical, wellness, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, and life insurance. DRC also offers a generous paid time off policy and community service leave.

Data Recognition Corporation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The salary range is a guideline. Compensation will be based on skills, knowledge, and experience.