Visiting Data Scientist - Gies College of Business

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Data Science
Urbana, IL, USA
USD 90k-100k / year
Posted on Dec 19, 2025

Visiting Data Scientist - Gies College of Business

Data Science Research Services


Job Summary

The Data Scientist will support the analytical, research, and technical needs of DSRS in helping Faculty and Researchers. This role is responsible for conducting data analysis, building datasets, developing models, supporting research projects, and contributing to internal tools that enhance data-driven decision-making within the Gies College of Business.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Data Analysis & Research Support
    a. Clean, prepare, and analyze datasets to support faculty research and DSRS initiatives.
    b. Conduct exploratory data analysis, statistical testing, and visualizations.
    c. Translate research questions into clear analytical approaches and deliverable outputs.

  • Modeling & Methodology Development
    a. Build and evaluate statistical models or machine learning models based on project needs.
    b. Develop reproducible workflows for model training, testing, and interpretation.
    c. Document methodologies and maintain organized, transparent code for future reference.

  • Data Pipeline & Workflow Development
    a. Assist in building and maintaining robust data pipelines used across DSRS projects.
    b. Ensure data processing steps are consistent, scalable, and aligned with best practices.
    c. Collaborate with technical staff to integrate data processes into DSRS framework

  • Internal Tools & Reporting
    a. Contribute to dashboards, internal applications, or automation processes used by DSRS.
    b. Generate clear summaries, reports, and visual outputs for faculty and internal stakeholders.
    c. Support development of templates, documentation, and shared resources.
    d. Support and contribute to infrastructure development to support DSRS services

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    a. Work closely with faculty, staff, project managers, and interns to deliver high-quality analytical work.
    b. Participate in project scoping, requirement gathering, and progress discussions.
    c. Provide technical guidance or support to junior team members when needed.
    d. Mentor and train students into Data Science Applications

  • Miscellaneous
    a. Provide ad-hoc assistance as and when required
    b. Support additional tasks or emerging needs that fall outside the primary responsibilities, as the role evolves with DSRS.

Additional Physical Demands

Additional Information:
This position supports both research-based and operational projects within the college. Work may include collaboration with multiple faculty members, administrative units, and cross-functional teams. The role requires flexibility, professionalism, and adherence to university data, privacy, and security standards.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
2. Proficiency in Python and commonly used data science libraries
3. Experience with data cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
4. Experience applying statistical or machine learning methods to real datasets.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working with large or research datasets.
2. Experience with large computing systems.
3. Experience with SQL or relational databases.
4. Familiarity with cloud tools or workflow automation
5. Experience supporting academic research or collaborative analytic projects.
6. Familiarity with emerging AI/ML techniques (e.g., embeddings, LLM-based workflows).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to write clean, well-documented, and reproducible code. Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the 2/16/2026. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000 to $100,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information about Gies Business, visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 15, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your resume, including all relevant experience. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact rgoben@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.


Requisition ID: 1034068
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu