Senior Associate, Machine Learning Engineer

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll drive analytics that underpin Rice’s Momentous strategic initiatives—spanning fundraising innovation, operational efficiency, and research enablement. You will partner with subject-matter experts across academic and administrative units to translate domain challenges into data-driven solutions: designing end-to-end ML/AI workflows, building scalable pipelines, and embedding monitoring and instrumentation. Beyond delivery, you’ll develop training materials and lead workshops to ensure sustainable adoption and measurable impact against project KPIs.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Data Scientist matriculating into Machine Learning Engineering, with demonstrated experience building AI/ML systems, and ready to gain experience deploying these systems into production and assist with integration into product software. They are comfortable wearing many hats - ranging from architecting end-to-end workflows to collaborating with domain experts, building pipelines, and leading training sessions for non-technical users. A proven track record of continuous learning and curiosity is essential, as is the ability to quickly adapt to emerging tools, methods, and challenges.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as an on-office role.  Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Work Authorization: 

This position is open only to individuals authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship, now or in the future. Candidates who require sponsorship are not eligible for consideration.

Annual Hiring Range: $96,000 to $122,000 annually.  *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Three or more (3+) years of experience as a Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer

  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Technical: Python, SQL, statistics, ML; plus deep expertise in at least two areas: advanced ensembling and sampling techniques, forecasting, NLP/LLMs, transfer learning, or MLOps.

• Tools: scikit-learn, statsmodels, TensorFlow/PyTorch, Git.

• Apply advanced analytics - clustering, time-series forecasting, NLP/LLMs - with Python,