Data Scientist

BCforward is currently seeking a highly motivated AI Data Scientist for an opportunity Chicago, IL Remote, Need someone who is authorized to work independently without any sponsorship. Position Title: AI Data Scientist Location: Chicago, IL Remote Anticipated Start Date: ASAP Please note this is the target date and it is subject to change. BCforward will send official notice ahead of a confirmed start date. Expected Duration: 6+ months Job Type: Full Time (>=40 HRS WEEKLY) – Contract- Remote Pay Range: $80/hr Please note that actual compensation may vary within this range due to factors such as location, experience, and job responsibilities, and does not encompass additional non-standard compensation (e.g., benefits, paid time off, per diem, etc.). Position: AI Data Scientist Location: Chicago, IL Remote Duration: 6+ Months Contract Need someone who is authorized to work independently without any sponsorship. Summary: We’re building a rigorous measurement approach to quantify how AI tools and human expertise each contribute to business outcomes—and what additional value emerges only when humans and AI work together. As AI adoption accelerates, we need to go beyond simple productivity metrics (e.g., “time saved”) to causal, outcome-based measurement that stands up to executive and external scrutiny. In this role, you will lead the causal modelling workstream and partner closely with a cross-functional program team to develop a defensible methodology and narrative. Responsibilities ● Define value & outcomes: Partner with stakeholders to define measurable outcomes and map inputs (AI tool exposure, human activities, workflow signals, etc.). ● Data preparation: Build analysis-ready datasets from multiple sources; establish data quality checks and reproducible pipelines. ● Causal modelling: Design and execute quasi-experimental and econometric approaches where clean control groups may not exist (e.g., Difference-in-Differences, Synthetic Control, matching/propensity approaches). ● Value decomposition: Develop an analytical framework to estimate: ○ 1) AI contribution ○ 2) Human contribution ○ 3) Human+AI synergy contribution ● Experiment design: Advise on or design experiments (A/B tests, lift tests) to strengthen identification strategies. ● Communicate insights: Translate complex findings into clear executive-ready outputs and practitioner-facing documentation. Minimum qualifications ● Advanced experience in causal inference and applied econometrics in real-world (non-ideal) settings ● Proven ability to implement and defend methods such as DiD, Synthetic Control, and related counterfactual approaches ● Strong data skills: building analysis datasets, working with large-scale behavioural/operational data, and ensuring reproducibility ● Excellent communication: ability to explain assumptions, limitations, and results to non-technical stakeholders Preferred qualifications ● Experience in marketing measurement (e.g., incrementality testing, attribution, media mix modelling) ● Experience evaluating AI product/tool impact in production environments ● Comfort working in ambiguous problem spaces and driving alignment on “what good looks like” Typical Day-to-Day in the role ● Work closely with the program team on cross-functional alignment ● Collaborate to review and absorb context on existing data sources, business processes, and research objectives ● Set up modeling methodology and research design based on available data and business constraints ● Perform data engineering work—pulling data together from multiple sources and aggregating it into analysis-ready datasets ● Develop and iterate on causal models, validate assumptions, and test robustness ● Present results and recommendations to stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences ● Balance coding and technical deep-dives with cross-functional communication and alignment activities Must-Have Skills 1 Data engineering skills and ability to aggregate data from various sources into analysis-ready datasets 2 Data modeling expertise with knowledge of causal inference and econometric techniques 3 Ability to incorporate business context into data work and translate findings into actionable recommendations Nice-to-have Skills 1 Data science experience supporting sales or other consultative teams 2 Marketing science domain experience (incrementality testing, attribution, media mix modeling) 3 Experience in causal inference and applied econometrics in real-world settings, with proven ability to implement and defend methods such as Difference-in-Differences, Synthetic Control, and related counterfactual approaches Years of overall experience required? 8+ Degrees/certifications required? Degree in a data science, math or econ field Benefits: BCforward offers all eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to major medical, HSA, dental, vision, employer-provided group life, voluntary life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and 401k. About BCforward: Founded in 1998 on the idea that industry leaders needed a professional service, and workforce management expert, to fuel the development and execution of core business and technology strategies, BCforward is a Black-owned firm providing unique solutions supporting value capture and digital product delivery needs for organizations around the world. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN with an Offshore Development Center in Hyderabad, India, BCforward’s 6,000 consultants support more than 225 clients globally. BCforward champions the power of human potential to help companies transform, accelerate, and scale. Guided by our core values of People-Centric, Optimism, Excellence, Diversity, and Accountability, our professionals have helped our clients achieve their strategic goals for more than 25 years. Our strong culture and clear values have enabled BCforward to become a market leader and best in class place to work. BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. To learn more about how BCforward collects and uses personal information as part of the recruiting process, view our Privacy Notice and CCPA Addendum. As part of the recruitment process, we may ask for you to disclose and provide us with various categories of personal information, including identifiers, professional information, commercial information, education information, and other related information. BCforward will only use this information to complete the recruitment process. This posting is not an offer of employment. All applicants applying for positions in the United States must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The submission of intentionally false or fraudulent information in response to this posting may render the applicant ineligible for the position. Any subsequent offer of employment will be considered employment at-will regardless of the anticipated assignment duration.