Data Scientist

Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers. Our client, Apex Systems, is seeking the following. Apply via Dice today! Job#: 3029218 Job Description: Job Description: Data Scientist (Contract) Birmingham, AL (Hybrid preferred) | Remote (Southeast states considered) Role Overview (Enhanced) The Data Scientist will be partnering closely with business leaders, advanced analysts, and data engineers to solve complex business problems through predictive modeling and advanced analytics. This role is ideal for a business-facing Data Scientist who can balance strong modeling skills with the ability to clearly explain insights, influence stakeholders, and think big-picture. You will not be expected to engineer raw datasets-the client has dedicated data engineers-but you will be expected to turn data into decisions. What Success Looks Like In This Role • Translate business problems into analytical solutions • Build and evaluate predictive and statistical models • Interpret model outcomes and explain implications to non-technical stakeholders • Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver practical, actionable insights • Serve as a trusted analytics partner to the business-not just a technical contributor Core Responsibilities (Refined) • Partner directly with business stakeholders to understand problems, objectives, and data needs • Design, build, evaluate, and refine predictive models and advanced analytics solutions • Analyze model outcomes and clearly communicate insights, assumptions, and recommendations • Conduct exploratory data analysis, experimentation, and research • Collaborate with data engineers to leverage existing datasets for modeling and analysis • Support proof-of-concepts, pilots, and production analytics solutions • Assist with user acceptance testing and business validation of model outputs • Document models, assumptions, and analytics processes clearly • Help educate business users on analytics outputs through demos, training, or job aids Required Technical Skills (Must-Haves) • Python (modeling, analysis, scripting) • SQL (querying and data exploration) • Predictive modeling / statistical modeling experience • Experience evaluating model performance and outcomes • Data visualization experience: • Tableau preferred • Power BI acceptable (must be able to learn Tableau) • Strong ability to explain analytics concepts to non-technical audiences Experience Requirements • 3+ years of experience as a Data Scientist • Or strong analyst background with clear progression into data science • Experience applying data science in a business or operational context • Comfortable working independently while collaborating across teams Nice-to-Have (Not Required) • Healthcare or life sciences experience • Experience with Dataiku (plus, not required) • Master's degree in a quantitative field • Familiarity with CRISP-DM or similar analytics frameworks Experience and problem-solving ability matter more than industry background. Soft Skills & Cultural Fit (Very Important) • Strong business communication skills • Ability to engage stakeholders and ask the right questions • Big-picture thinker who enjoys ambiguity • Collaborative, approachable, and relationship-oriented • Comfortable explaining "why," not just "what" This role complements a highly technical, math-focused Data Scientist already on the team-this hire should lean more business-forward while still being technically strong. Work Model & Location • Contract role • Local Birmingham candidates preferred • Open to remote candidates in Southeast states • Other locations may limit future FTE conversion Interview Process • One-round panel interview • 5-6 participants (peers + leadership) • Conversational and situational • No live coding • No presentations Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.