Junior Data Scientist

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Junior Data Scientist to support a multi‑disciplinary team providing data analysis and visualization support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. You will support data-driven decision making by analyzing data, developing basic models, creating visualizations, and generating actionable insights as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering analytical and software solutions for national security missions. This role is ideal for early-career data scientists passionate about solving real operational problems and building prototypes in an agile environment. Essential Functions Assist with processing, cleaning, and transforming structured and unstructured data. Support development of analytics, machine learning and statistical models, and exploratory data analysis. Create basic visualizations to identify patterns, trends, and performance indicators. Work with senior data scientists and developers to translate user needs into analytic tasks. Contribute to the design, testing, and deployment of data and analytic workflows. Build and deploy scripts and tools to automate routine data tasks. Help prepare documentation, user guides, and training materials. Stay current on emerging technologies, analytic methods, and industry best practices. Collaborate as part of an agile team, and contribute to sprint activities. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field with 2+ years’ experience, or a Master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Experience performing analysis on large datasets and knowledge of machine learning tools and statistical techniques to produce solutions. Proficiency with common data science scripting tools and software (Python, R, SQL, SAS) and data visualization (Tableau, Qlik, Power BI) tools. Ability to write clearly and produce documentation, user guides, and training materials. Desired Qualifications Experience with common data packages such as pandas, NumPy, scikit‑learn, pytorch, and data visualization frameworks such as matplotlib, seaborn, and Plotly. Experience with APIs, CSV/JSON datasets, or relational databases. Experience in developing statistical forecasting, network analysis. Experience with geospatial analyses, as well as ESRI products such as ArcGIS. Familiarity with Agile development practices and collaborative tools such as Jira and Gitlab. DHS Suitability. Behaviors Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking. Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest. Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject. Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well. Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity. Preferred Behaviors Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject. Motivations Self‑Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help. Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility. Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business. Education Bachelors or better in Data Science. Preferred Education Masters or better in Data Science. Experience 2-4 years: Data Science experience. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr