Senior Data Scientist - Special Projects Lead

SALARY RANGE (Grade 15) CSA245: $89,993.11/yr. -- $134,991.01/yr.  (Commensurate with experience)

This position will be based out of the Boston, Lawrence, Quincy, Brockton, Marlboro, or Chicopee OSA offices.  Please indicate your geographical preference in office location when applying per the application instructions below.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) seeks a Senior Data Scientist to design and deploy advanced analytics and mixed-methods research frameworks for public program evaluation. Operating at the intersection of data engineering, machine learning, and academic-grade policy research, the selected candidate will lead high-impact special projects for external partners and modernize internal operational analytics. This role is responsible for transforming complex, non-linear government datasets into predictive models, prescriptive insights, and methodologically defensible empirical evidence that directly informs statewide accountability and public policy.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hyper-analytical thinker who brings a scientific mindset to complex public infrastructure. Rather than deploying off-the-shelf code, you will design scalable statistical models from scratch, conduct thorough literature reviews, and confidently defend empirical findings to diverse stakeholders.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervised by the Director of Data Analytics

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulate rigorous, testable hypotheses around complex public sector domains.
• Design and execute end-to-end research methodologies that seamlessly integrate qualitative policy analysis (literature reviews, regulatory frameworks, working papers, etc.) with quantitative empirical modeling around specific audit topics.
• Design, validate, and deploy advanced statistical and machine learning architectures (including supervised/unsupervised learning, clustering, and specialized anomaly detection) to isolate risk indicators, systemic fraud, and operational inefficiencies.
• Architect and maintain reproducible data pipelines and enterprise analytics solutions using Python, SQL, and the Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystem (Synapse, Data Factory, Azure ML).
• Conduct in-depth research into academic journals, specialized domain publications, and historical administrative data to determine and defend the most appropriate statistical and non-statistical methodologies for audit scenarios.
• Critically evaluate public sector data completeness, provenance, and relevance; design data taxonomy and classification frameworks alongside IT partners to ensure high-fidelity pipelines for modeling.
• Translate complex, multi-dimensional modeling results into interactive visual evidence (Power BI, Tableau, High-Quality Reports) that provides non-technical auditors and state decision-makers analytical clarity.
• Collaborate with audit teams to translate programmatic goals into data-driven methodologies and tools.
• Oversee and elevate the technical outputs of junior and mid-level analytics staff, translating strategic state-wide accountability goals into actionable research sprints, data-pipeline architecture, and defensible methodology designs.
• Manage cross-functional project teams evaluating complex public programs, serving as the ultimate arbiter for research design quality, data integrity, and pipeline reproducibility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will possess and/or demonstrate:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Public Policy/Public Administration (with a quantitative focus), or a related empirical research field.
• 5–7 years of professional experience conducting end-to-end data science or mixed methods research projects, ideally within public policy, government oversight, or performance auditing environments.
• Proven mastery of Python, SQL, and Git/DevOps version control practices in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience applying advanced machine learning (regression, classification, clustering) and statistical causal inference to massive, messy administrative datasets.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex mathematical or structural findings into compelling narratives for non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in Power BI/Tableau or similar data visualization tool with tested demonstratable experience of prior work.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets.
• Aptitude and tested experience regarding critical thinking about complex research problems.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, ethical standards, and continuous improvement.
• 3+ years of experience formally managing, supervising, or functionally leading technical teams of data scientists, statisticians, research methodologists, or quantitative policy analysts.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and upskill technical personnel in Python, advanced SQL, predictive modeling, and cloud-based data engineering (e.g., Azure ecosystem).
• Proven track record of directing complex, end-to-end research projects, with the ability to vet, critique, and defend both qualitative and quantitative research designs.
• Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate technical data science architectures and complex statistical findings into clear, strategic narratives for non-technical leadership and external partners.
• Experience establishing version control protocols (e.g., Git workflow), data governance frameworks, and reproducible research standards across a team or unit.
• Demonstrated ability to apply mixed-methods research to complex data-projects to include reviewing relevant literature/publications and blending qualitative and quantitative approaches to culminate in methodologically rigorous and tested findings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated experience and expertise in the following areas will also be important considerations:

• Experience supporting performance audits or program evaluations in a government setting.
• Familiarity with government data systems, administrative records, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with data governance, privacy, and security practices in public sector environments.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

The Office of the State Auditor is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.  Employment actions such as recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting individuals are based upon a policy of non-discrimination.  Employment decisions and actions are made without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, military status, genetic information, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.