Job Description
Department: Office of Institutional Research & Analytics (OIRA)Institution: Rowan University
Job Summary:
Rowan University is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join the Office of Institutional Research & Analytics (OIRA). This position will focus on building sophisticated data models, applying machine learning techniques, and leading predictive analytics.
The role requires hands-on experience in predictive modeling, API integration, statistical analysis, and visual analytics, with a focus on delivering strategic insights across the institution. The Data Scientist will partner with teams across the campus to ideate, create, and integrate predictive analytics features into user experiences and institutional applications. The candidate will ensure that data models and solutions align with university goals related to admissions, retention, academic progress, student success, graduation, and administrative efficiencies.
Key Responsibilities
Build and deploy machine learning models to support critical areas such as student recruitment, admissions, retention, enrollment forecasting, and academic progress.
Apply advanced statistical techniques, including logistic regression, decision trees, clustering, and causal inference, to derive actionable insights.
Utilize supervised and unsupervised learning techniques to model institutional data for improving decision-making.
Design and implement APIs to pull data from various internal and external sources for dashboards, model training and prediction purposes.
Build and maintain ETL workflows to integrate, clean, and transform data from multiple sources (e.g., student information systems, external datasets).
Document SQL queries, API endpoints, and ETL processes for effective data retrieval and integration into reporting systems.
Design and manage dynamic dashboards in Tableau, incorporating real-time model predictions via API integration.
Provide data visualization and reporting solutions that empower institutional stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.
Work closely with colleagues to identify data needs and implement machine learning models to solve university challenges.
Stay current with the latest research in machine learning, generative AI, and educational data science.
Explore generative AI and API integration to create innovative solutions for data synthesis, content creation, and personalized academic experiences.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master’s in Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Preferred Experience
Minimum of one year’s experience in machine learning and API integration. Research and internship experience will be considered.
Ability to develop and deploy predictive models using Python, R, or similar languages
Prior experience in higher education data analytics is strongly preferred
Experience in educational data mining in higher education
Experience using Banner SIS and higher education-specific data systems
Technical Skills
Proficiency in machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, Scikit-learn) and generative AI tools (e.g., GPT, transformer architectures, GANs)
Advanced knowledge of API development and integration for data retrieval and model output
Strong SQL writing skills and experience with relational databases
Experience with ETL tools (Informatica, Veera) and Business Intelligence platforms (Tableau, Cognos)
Proficiency in R, Python, or similar statistical programming languages
