Data Science Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Filled
February 23, 2026
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Job Description

🎯 Core Responsibilities

1️⃣ Strategic Leadership & Advisory

  • Advise the Dean of Faculty on:
    • Data science strategy
    • Academic integration
    • Research direction
    • Technology architecture
  • Develop and maintain a data strategy roadmap aligned with federal and institutional goals.

2️⃣ Technology & Infrastructure Guidance

  • Assess current and future:
    • Data science technologies
    • AI/ML integration approaches
    • Cybersecurity implementations
  • Recommend infrastructure for AI training and research environments.

3️⃣ Academic & Research Enablement

  • Facilitate adoption of data science into:
    • Curriculum
    • Laboratories
    • Research programs
  • Conduct:
    • Monthly seminars
    • Faculty coaching sessions
    • Cross-department collaborations

4️⃣ Policy & Governance

  • Develop institutional data policies.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and security requirements.
  • Align with best practices from universities and research centers.

5️⃣ Liaison & Integration

  • Bridge communication between:
    • Academic departments
    • Research teams
    • Mission stakeholders
    • Government entities

🧠 Required Expertise

Experience

  • 10+ years in:
    • Data science technologies
    • Data architecture
    • Institutional data strategy
    • AI infrastructure
    • Cybersecurity considerations

Education

  • Master’s degree (minimum) in:
    • Data Science
    • AI/ML
    • Data Management
    • Related technical field

Strongly Preferred

  • University or research environment experience
  • AI infrastructure design
  • Training and mentoring professionals

Other Requirements

  • Ability to obtain security clearance
  • High-tempo operational environment comfort
  • Occasional US travel

💼 Role Level Interpretation

This role aligns with:

  • Principal Data Scientist
  • Chief Data Officer (Academic/Institutional)
  • Director / Senior Advisor for AI & Data Strategy
  • Data Architecture Leader

It is not an entry or mid-level role — it targets highly experienced professionals with both technical depth and organizational leadership.

🚀 Unique Advantages of This Role

  • Strategic influence at institutional level
  • AI + cybersecurity intersection (high-demand niche)
  • Academic + government collaboration exposure
  • Leadership positioning for executive roles

⚠️ Important Considerations

  • Security clearance requirement may limit eligibility.
  • Likely onsite or hybrid with government coordination.
  • More consulting/strategy than coding.