Data Scientist II

About The Company

2U is a leading education technology company dedicated to transforming higher education through innovative online learning solutions. As the parent organization of edX, a premier open online learning platform, 2U partners with top universities, colleges, and corporate entities worldwide to deliver high-quality, accessible, and scalable educational programs. Our mission is to make learning limitless by providing a diverse array of offerings ranging from free courses to full degree programs. With a focus on expanding access to education and accelerating careers, 2U is committed to empowering learners and institutions alike. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth, making us a dynamic workplace where talented professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact on global education.

About The Role

The Data Scientist II at 2U will play a pivotal role in driving data-driven decision-making across edX.org, our flagship online learning marketplace. This position involves partnering closely with Product, Marketing, and Finance teams to analyze complex behavioral datasets, generate actionable insights, and support strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate is passionate about solving ambiguous business problems and excels at translating messy data into clear, impactful stories. They will be responsible for conducting product analytics, designing and owning experiments, and developing models that inform product growth and learner engagement. Additionally, this role involves building scalable dashboards, defining key performance metrics, and coaching stakeholders on statistical concepts. The Data Scientist II will contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that data insights are integrated into decision-making processes at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics, or a related quantitative field; graduate degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in data science, product analytics, or a similar role.
• Proficiency in Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and advanced SQL for large datasets.
• Experience with data platforms such as Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, or Spark.
• Strong foundation in hypothesis testing, experimental design, causal inference, and statistical rigor.
• Hands-on experience with experimentation platforms like Statsig, Eppo, or Optimizely.
• Familiarity with product analytics tools such as Amplitude, FullStory, or Mixpanel.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex findings into clear insights for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize requests, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product, Marketing, and Finance teams to deliver comprehensive product analytics, including funnel analysis, cohort studies, retention metrics, and segmentation.
• Manage and execute end-to-end A/B testing, including designing experiments, performing power analysis, and interpreting results.
• Implement quasi-experimental methods such as difference-in-differences, propensity scoring, regression discontinuity, and synthetic control to infer causality where randomization is not feasible.
• Define and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), including north-star, input, and guardrail metrics, to monitor product health and growth.
• Develop and maintain scalable dashboards and tooling to streamline recurring analytics requests and enable self-service insights.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering to ensure upstream data sources are reliable and contribute to building robust data models and validation checks.
• Apply machine learning techniques like classification, regression, and clustering to accelerate insights beyond traditional statistical analysis.
• Deepen understanding of edX’s products, learner behaviors, and business strategies to provide relevant, actionable insights.
• Educate and coach stakeholders on statistical concepts, experimental design, and data interpretation to foster a data-informed culture.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance, disability benefits, and 401(k) employer matching.
• Generous paid holidays, unlimited paid time off, and additional leave options such as volunteer days and parental leave.
• In-office amenities including free snacks and drinks.
• Flexible work arrangements with a preference for candidates residing in the Washington-Baltimore area or willing to commute to Arlington, VA.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a mission-driven organization.

Equal Opportunity

At 2U, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes equity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws. We also offer reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. Our goal is to build a workplace where everyone feels empowered, respected, and able to contribute their best.