Data Science Instructional Specialist

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science seeks a Data Science Instructional Specialist to support the development modernization and delivery of high-quality hybrid and online learning experiences for working professionals in data science as we expand our offerings of the MS in Data Science Degree. This position plays a critical role in converting existing and new graduate-level course content into engaging accessible and professionally produced online materials aligned with best practices in adult education.

The Data Science Instructional Specialist collaborates closely with faculty instructional designers and program leadership to produce concept videos code demonstration videos learning assets and assessments that support flexible high-impact learning for students balancing professional and academic responsibilities. Fully remote work may be considered.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Statistics Mathematics Computer Science Data Science or a closely related quantitative field.

Demonstrated experience developing or supporting online or hybrid higher-education courses particularly in technical or quantitative domains related to data science.

Proficiency with Canvas or a comparable learning management system.

Hands-on experience using Camtasia or similar software for video recording editing and instructional content production.

Strong technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex data science concepts clearly and effectively.

Experience working collaboratively with faculty instructional designers or academic program teams.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in Statistics Mathematics Computer Science Data Science or a closely related quantitative field.

Experience supporting graduate-level or professional education programs.

Familiarity with adult learning theory and instructional best practices for working professionals.

Experience producing code-focused instructional content (e.g. Python R SQL data visualization).

Knowledge of accessibility standards for online learning (e.g. captions transcripts universal design).

Prior experience in data science analytics or computational research consulting organizations that solve applied problems.

Comfort working in fast-paced production cycles with defined timelines and deliverables.

Coursework in machine learning statistical/data science computing and communication.

Developing and teaching data science-related short courses to applied problem solvers outside traditional data science fields.

Experience creating course content using large language models such as ChatGPT Claude Google LLM and Natural Reader (or similar text to speech software).

Experience using a markdown languages (R-markdown Quarto etc.) to create slides reports and/or graphics.

Experience as a teaching assistant instructor or professor in an academic setting.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Starting at $70000 - commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hours - exempt position

Review Date

03/13/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.