Senior Data Scientist (ML & AI) (Temporary)

Protagonist • Full-time • Washington, DC, US • $95k - $165k / year • 5m ago

Join Our Talented Team at Protagonist

We fuse rigorous, methodologically sound analysis with our cutting-edge technology platform, Narrative Analytics®. This powerful combination enables us to quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies for clients with missions that matter.
Why Us?

Our team is a vibrant mix of communication specialists, data scientists, and subject matter experts with extensive experience across U.S. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. By joining Protagonist, you'll immerse yourself in a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions truly matter.
What We Do

Innovative Solutions: We co-develop cutting-edge solutions with our clients to address tough communication problems and capitalize on opportunities to make a tangible impact.
Data-Driven Insights: Our tools and methodologies provide actionable insights that help clients meet their communication objectives and stay ahead of global challenges.
Applied Expertise: We integrate our solutions within client organizations, leveraging our profound expertise to address critical issues and ensure sustainable success.

Be Part of Something Bigger

At Protagonist, you'll work on compelling projects that make a real difference. We seek talented individuals eager to contribute to our mission and grow alongside us. If you're passionate about communication, data analysis, and making an impact, we invite you to explore a career with Protagonist.
Explore Your Future with Us!

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us at Protagonist and be part of a team that's making a difference.

About You

Protagonist is seeking a visionary data science professional passionate about advanced ML and NLP for a temporary role. Successful candidates excel at transforming unstructured data into actionable insights. With extensive experience in designing, building, and deploying sophisticated machine learning pipelines, you are also skilled in cutting-edge AI solutions-including LLMs and RAG systems-to solve complex challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

ML Pipeline & Model Development:
- Develop, deploy, and maintain scalable machine learning pipelines and models.
NLP & AI Solutions:
- Apply contemporary NLP methods to analyze large datasets, extract insights, and build robust classification and predictive models using LLMs and RAG systems.
Data Preparation & Analysis:
- Use Python, R, and SQL to clean, manipulate, and transform data; conduct statistical modeling (regression, time series, etc.).
Cross-Team Collaboration:
- Work with product, engineering, and Government Solutions teams to convert complex data challenges into strategic insights.
Leadership & Mentorship:
- Mentor junior team members and lead discussions on emerging data science trends.

Requirements

Eligibility & Security:
- Must be eligible to work on US Government contracts that may be restricted to US persons; existing SECRET clearance is a plus.
Educational Background:
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field.
Professional Experience:
- 3+ years of proven experience in machine learning and NLP with a strong record of driving business impact.
Technical Expertise:
- Proficiency in building ML pipelines and training models using Python, ML frameworks, and SQL.
- Experience with statistical analysis and predictive modeling (e.g., neural networks, SVMs, random forests).
- Familiarity with data visualization platforms (Tableau, Looker, Superset, Power BI).
- Experience with ML orchestration tools (MLflow, Metaflow, Argo Workflows) and data lake architectures.
- Demonstrated ability in developing AI solutions, including LLMs and RAG systems.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex data concepts to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

This is a temporary position with an initial period of 90 days. Successful performance during this period may lead to a permanent role.

Salary Range: $95,000-$165,000 per year based on education and level of relevant experience.

Protagonist is headquartered in Washington, DC, and offer a competitive salary, flexible paid time-off policy, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and a retirement plan.

Former Federal Government employees are encouraged to apply.

Protagonist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.