Data Scientist II at 2U – Crystal City | Jobyssey

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to make learning limitless– and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class higher education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading online learning platform, 2U powers thousands of higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with our college, university, and corporate partners, we are helping accelerate careers and transform lives.

What We’re Looking For:

The Data Scientist II will partner with Product, Marketing, and Finance stakeholders to drive insight and decision-making for edX.org, 2U's open online learning marketplace.

This is a high-leverage analytics role focused on product analytics, experimentation, and causal inference on large, complex behavioral datasets. We are looking for someone who is excited by ambiguous business problems, can triage a high volume of stakeholder requests and match each one to an appropriate level of rigor, and is skilled at turning messy data into clear, actionable insight.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, takes the initiative to understand the domain and refine the question behind the question, and communicates complex findings in ways that educate and enable stakeholders.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Product analytics and ad hoc analysis Serve as the analytics partner for Product, Marketing, and Finance teams on edX.org, delivering funnel, cohort, retention, and segmentation work. Triage a high volume of incoming requests and match the depth of each response to the decision at hand, from back-of-the-envelope estimates to deeper investigations.
Experimentation and causal inference Own A/B tests end-to-end, from design and power analysis through interpretation. Where randomization isn't possible, use quasi-experimental methods such as difference-in-differences, propensity scoring, regression discontinuity, and synthetic control.
Metric definition and self-serve enablement Establish and maintain north-star, input, and guardrail KPIs. Build scalable dashboards and tooling that reduce the long tail of repeat requests.
Data modeling and validation Partner with Data Engineering to keep upstream sources trustworthy. Contribute to dbt models, lead EDA on unfamiliar datasets, and add checks that catch quality issues before they reach dashboards or partners.
Applied machine learning Use standard ML techniques (classification, regression, clustering) where they accelerate insight beyond what statistical analysis alone can deliver.
Domain learning and stakeholder education Develop a deep understanding of the edX product, learners, and business. Coach partners on statistical concepts, refine ambiguous questions, and turn complex findings into actionable recommendations.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics, or similar). Graduate degree preferred.
Professional Experience: 3–5 years in data science, product analytics, or a related quantitative role
Communication: Able to refine ambiguous questions, translate findings for business partners, and clarify what the results do and don't say.
Statistics & data rigor: Solid foundation in hypothesis testing, power analysis, confidence intervals, and multiple comparisons, plus strong EDA and validation skills on unfamiliar data
Experimentation & causal inference: Running A/B tests end-to-end, plus quasi-experimental methods where randomization isn't possible (e.g., difference-in-differences, propensity scoring, regression discontinuity, synthetic control). Prefer experience with modern experimentation platforms (e.g., Statsig, Eppo, Optimizely, LaunchDarkly).
Product analytics & domain: Hands-on with platforms like Amplitude, FullStory, or Mixpanel, plus prior work in EdTech, online learning, or a comparable consumer subscription / marketplace product
Programming & data: Strong Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and advanced SQL on large, complex datasets. Prefer exposure to large-scale data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, Spark).

While this position is open to remote candidates across the U.S., we will prioritize those who live in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area and who are available to come into our Headquarters in Arlington, VA two days a week.

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide millions of learners and counting with access to world-class higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference.

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.

Full-time, U.S.benefits include:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match

Free snacks and drinks in-office

Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO

Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break

The anticipated base salary range for this role is ($107,300 - $124,200), with potential bonus eligibility. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired.

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike.

2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at: [email protected].

About 2U

2U partners with the world's top universities and companies to develop and deliver education programs that accelerate careers and transform lives. Through partnerships with the world’s leading colleges, universities, and companies, 2U delivers thousands of online programs to millions of learners worldwide on edX, its global learning platform. From executive education and professional credentialing to master’s degree programs and free, open courses, 2U transforms how top institutions deliver workforce-aligned online education, enabling professionals to advance without pausing their careers. Learn more at 2U.com.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.

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