Ascend Learning

Sr Data Scientist

Ascend Learning • $120K — $150K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Leawood, KS
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Data Science or related field; Master's preferred
  • 5+ years of data analysis experience with increasing complexity
  • Expert-level SQL skills in Snowflake and SQL Server
  • Proven ability in building statistical models and machine learning techniques
  • Proficiency in Python, R, and Snowflake ML
  • Experience with Tableau dashboard creation for diverse audiences
  • Demonstrated communication skills with non-technical stakeholders
  • Strong business acumen for prioritizing analytical work

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement models for detecting test-taking anomalies
  • Build and maintain predictive and classification models
  • Prepare and present analytical findings to senior leadership
  • Author detailed reports for security investigations
  • Write complex SQL for data integration and analysis
  • Design and maintain Tableau dashboards for key metrics
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data accuracy
  • Translate ambiguous requirements into actionable analytical frameworks

Benefits

  • Flexible and generous paid time off
  • Competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) employer matching program
  • Parental leave
  • Wellness resources
  • Charitable matching program
  • On-site workout facilities
  • Community outreach groups
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Senior Data Scientist in the Data & Business Intelligence org, you'll be the analytical engine behind Ascend Learning's test security function - building the models, reports, and intelligence that empower security analysts and Psychometricians across our portfolio of brands to protect the integrity of every assessment we deliver. You'll leverage a modern data stack (Snowflake, SQL Server, Tableau) and apply statistical modeling and machine learning to surface insights that drive decisions at the highest levels of the organization, working alongside a team of seasoned data professionals who bring deep expertise across the full data lifecycle.

WHERE YOU'LL WORK

  • Remote within the United States


HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME

  • Threat Detection & Behavioral Analysis: Design and implement statistical models, anomaly detection algorithms, and machine learning pipelines to identify suspicious test-taking patterns, proxy testing, impersonation, and item exposure across large-scale assessment datasets.
  • Advanced Modeling: Build and maintain predictive and classification models - including logistic regression, clustering, random forest, and NLP-based flagging - to surface security risks and prioritize investigation queues.
  • Executive Communication: Independently prepare and present findings, dashboards, and security briefings to senior leadership - translating complex analytical outputs into clear, actionable narratives.
  • Incident Reporting: Author detailed analytical reports supporting security investigations, including methodology documentation, evidence summaries, and recommended actions.
  • SQL Development: Write and maintain complex Snowflake SQL and T-SQL - stored procedures, views, and optimized queries - across Snowflake and SQL Server environments, integrating data from disparate sources including NoSQL, data lakes, APIs, and external data providers; contributing to EDW Gold layer development for exam security use cases.
  • Tableau Dashboards: Design, build, and maintain Tableau dashboards that surface key security metrics, incident trends, and performance indicators for both operational teams and senior leadership.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Psychometricians, Data Engineering, IT security, and remote proctoring vendors to align on analytical requirements, data quality standards, and the technology landscape - ensuring security data is accurate, timely, and fit for analysis.
  • Requirements Translation: Convert ambiguous needs from Test Security, IT, Legal, and Operations into well-defined analytical requirements and data specifications, maintaining clear documentation of models and methodologies throughout.


WHAT YOU'LL NEED

  • Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Educational Measurement, or a closely related quantitative field. Master's degree preferred in a quantitative discipline; familiarity with psychometric methods; experience with remote proctoring platforms; exposure to Medallion/EDW architectures in Snowflake; background in test security, fraud detection, or behavioral analytics at scale
  • 5+ years of experience in data analysis or data science with demonstrated progression in technical scope and complexity
  • Expert-level SQL across both Snowflake and SQL Server - stored procedures, query optimization, and complex multi-source joins
  • Proven experience building statistical models and applying machine learning techniques such as classification, clustering, and anomaly detection in a production or near-production context
  • Proficiency in Python, R, Snowflake ML for statistical analysis and model development
  • Experience building and publishing Tableau dashboards for operational and executive audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively to non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to prioritize analytical work by impact and translate ambiguous questions into structured analytical frameworks
  • Proven experience working cross-functionally with engineering, product, and IT teams and engaging with vendor technologies


BENEFITS

  • Flexible and generous paid time off
  • Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 401(k) employer matching program
  • Parental leave
  • Wellness resources
  • Charitable matching program
  • On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
  • Community outreach groups
  • Tuition reimbursement

About Ascend Learning

Ascend Learning is a leading provider of educational content, software and analytics solutions for healthcare and other vocational industries. The company's products and services are designed to help students and professionals improve their knowledge and skills, and to help employers improve their workforce performance. Ascend Learning's portfolio includes more than 1,000 digital and print-based products, including textbooks, online courses, simulation tools, and certification and licensure exam preparation materials. The company serves a wide range of customers, including colleges and universities, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Ascend Learning was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Learn more about Ascend Learning
Size
1,500 employees
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Founded
2010
* Ladders Estimates

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