Sr Associate Data Scientist

Sr. Associate Data Scientist- Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina

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About the job

The Applied AI & Modeling (AAIM) team is looking for a Data Scientist to help advance a multi‑phase applied research and development effort focused on computer vision and machine learning for high‑impact real‑world data. Our team works at the intersection of advanced modeling, scalable AI systems, and domain‑driven problem solving, partnering closely with engineers and subject‑matter experts to turn emerging research into practical, measurable outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to build and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art vision models while working on problems that demand both technical depth and rigor. You will contribute to the evolution of existing prototypes into more robust, scalable solutions, gaining hands‑on experience with 3D vision, attention mechanisms, and modern deep learning architectures in a collaborative environment. This role is well‑suited for someone who wants to grow as an applied data scientist, learn how advanced AI systems are developed responsibly, and see their work directly influence the next stage of real‑world AI innovation.

As a Sr. Associate Data Scientist, you will:

• Design, develop, and evaluate machine learning and computer vision models to solve complex, real‑world problems using large and diverse datasets.
• Apply and extend modern deep learning techniques (e.g., convolutional models, 3D vision, attention mechanisms, transformer‑based approaches) to improve model accuracy, robustness, and scalability.
• Analyze model performance using appropriate quantitative metrics, identify failure modes, and iterate on solutions based on experimental findings.
• Collaborate with fellow data scientists, software engineers, and cross‑functional partners to integrate models into end‑to‑end analytical workflows.
• Contribute to well‑documented, reproducible modeling pipelines and clearly communicate insights, tradeoffs, and results to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ensure all applicable security policies and development processes are followed to support the organization's secure and responsible software development goals.
• Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity, and accountability - our values that guide how we work, learn, and innovate together.

Required qualifications

• Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field
• Demonstrated experience applying computer vision and machine learning techniques to real‑world problems, including tasks such as image analysis, feature extraction, model training, and performance evaluation.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one modern deep learning or computer vision framework (e.g., Python‑based frameworks commonly used for CNN‑ or vision‑based modeling).
• Experience working with real‑world datasets, including data preparation, model evaluation using quantitative metrics, and result interpretation.
• Ability to analyze results, troubleshoot models, and clearly communicate technical findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• An equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience may be considered in place of the above qualifications.

Additional competencies, knowledge and skills

Key competencies

• Analytical Thinking - Ability to break down complex, ambiguous problems into structured analytical tasks, evaluate alternative approaches, and use data to support sound technical decisions.
• Collaboration - Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional partners, including data scientists, engineers, and domain experts, contributing constructively in a team‑based environment.
• Learning Agility - Willingness and ability to quickly learn new methods, tools, and domains, and apply new knowledge to evolving technical challenges.

Additional skills and experience (nice to have)

• Experience with computer vision techniques for image segmentation, detection, or classification.
• Exposure to 3D modeling, such as 3D convolutional networks or multi‑dimensional image analysis.
• Familiarity with attention mechanisms or transformer‑based vision models.
• Experience working in collaborative research and innovative environments.

World-class benefits

Highlights include...

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental and vision plans.

• Medical plan options include:

• PPO with low annual deductible and copays.

• HDHP combined with a health savings account with a contribution from SAS (no access to on-site health care center).

• Onsite Health Care Center (HQ) that's free to employees and family members enrolled in the PPO plan. There''s a pharmacy too! Not local to HQ? The pharmacy will ship prescriptions for no additional charge!

• An industry-leading 401k plan.

• Tuition Assistance Program and programs and resources to support your development

• Generous time away including vacation time, a variety of paid holidays, and our much-loved U.S. Winter Wellness Break between December 25 and January 1.

• Volunteer Time Off, parental leave and unlimited paid sick days.

• Generous childcare benefits for all full-time employees.

You are welcome here.

At SAS, it's not about fitting into our culture - it's about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our inclusive workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers.

Additional Information:

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status. SAS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Read more: Know Your Rights.

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