Ohio State University

Data Science Specialist

Columbus Campus Full time

Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact hr-accessibleapplication@osu.edu. If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions.

Current Employees and Students:

If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to Workday to use the internal application process.

Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site.  We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following:

  • Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required.

  • Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application. 

Job Title:

Data Science Specialist

Department:

ERIK | Technology Commercialization

Unit Overview

The Innovation and Commercialization unit advances the university’s research to impact lives by translating Ohio State innovations into business opportunities in the global marketplace. We are the first resource for inventors at the university. We engage with faculty and staff to help evaluate, protect and ultimately find the right market for intellectual property—through licensing or creating a startup company. 

Job Overview

The Data Science Specialist supports the strategic goals of the Innovation and Commercialization team by delivering advanced data insights that inform decision-making across licensing, venture development, and research translation. This role leads data projects, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and ensures data integrity across commercialization pipelines. The Data Science Specialist will:

  • Conduct data analysis to evaluate technology portfolios, licensing trends, and commercialization outcomes.
  • Develop dashboards and visualizations to support strategic planning and operational reporting.
  • Collaborate with licensing officers, venture and capital staff, and the operations team to identify data needs and deliver actionable insights.
  • Build models to assess market potential, inventor engagement, and ROI on translational research investments.
  • Maintain data governance standards and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
  • Contribute to data literacy across the unit.
  • Ensure and maintain data accuracy across various platforms and software programs.
  • Identify and implement improvements to data storage, usage, and analysis to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility.
  • Manage multiple data projects simultaneously while navigating shifting priorities and timelines with agility, clarity, and a collaborative mindset.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in data analytics, preferably in research, higher education, or technology transfer.
  • Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Strong understanding of statistical modeling and data storytelling. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed environment.
  • Experience with AI tools.
  • Proven project management capabilities. Proficiency in at least one coding language such as Python, R, or SQL.

Desired Qualifications

  • 2 years of relevant experienced preferred.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, or venture development workflows.
  • Knowledge of Workday, Cayuse, or similar enterprise systems.
  • Project management certification.

A resume is required to be submitted to be considered for this position.

Additional Information:

The pay range for this job profile is $58,700.00 - $77,200.00. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit's available budget and the selected candidate's qualifications.

This is a hybrid position, working 40 hours per week, with an ideal schedule of 3 days in-office, and 2 days remote.

Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as “protected individuals” pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

ERIK Overview

Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.

Location:

Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (1044)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.