Ascension is seeking a Data Scientist I to provide on-demand, high-impact predictive analytics and AI/ML expertise in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO).

This role is critical to advancing NSF’s transition from ad hoc workforce reporting to predictive, data-driven decision-making, enabling leadership to forecast workforce trends, improve strategic planning, and optimize human capital investments.

The ideal candidate is a mission-focused analytics professional who thrives in a federal environment and brings strong experience in statistical modeling, machine learning, and workforce analytics. This individual should be comfortable operating in a consultative, task-order-driven environment, where they will deliver targeted solutions that directly support enterprise-level HR transformation and modernization initiatives.

This role supports NSF’s broader objective to enhance analytics capabilities, reduce manual reporting, and deliver scalable, self-service insights across the organization.

Position Summary

The Data Scientist I will provide specialized, project-based support for predictive workforce analytics, modeling, and advanced data analysis initiatives.

This role is activated under optional task orders and will focus on developing machine learning models, statistical forecasts, and advanced analytics solutions that enhance NSF’s human capital analytics ecosystem.

The ideal candidate is:

• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-driven
• Comfortable working with ambiguous or evolving data environments
• Skilled at translating complex data into actionable insights for leadership
• Capable of independently developing models while collaborating with cross-functional teams

The Data Scientist will support initiatives such as:

• Workforce forecasting and attrition modeling
• Predictive hiring and staffing analytics
• AI-driven workforce insights and scenario modeling
• Advanced statistical analysis supporting HR strategy

This role directly supports NSF’s need to modernize workforce analytics and improve enterprise decision-making capabilities.

Key Responsibilities / Day-to-Day Activities

• Develop predictive models to forecast workforce trends, attrition, hiring needs, and capacity gaps
• Perform advanced statistical analysis to identify patterns, correlations, and workforce insights
• Design machine learning models to support HR analytics and decision-making
• Analyze large, complex datasets from multiple HR systems and data sources
• Collaborate with Data Analysts, BI Developers, and HR stakeholders to align models with business needs
• Translate analytical findings into executive-ready briefings, dashboards, and reports
• Validate model outputs and ensure accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility
• Support data quality initiatives by identifying anomalies and recommending remediation strategies
• Advise leadership on AI/ML applications, ethical considerations, and responsible AI use
• Document methodologies, assumptions, and model logic for transparency and reuse
• Enhance existing analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, OAS) with predictive capabilities
• Contribute to automation of analytics processes and reduction of manual reporting