Position Summary

San Diego State University is hiring a Data Scientist to join Analytic Studies & Institutional Research (ASIR), a team that sits at the center of academic planning, student success analytics, institutional reporting, and strategic decision-making. This is a builder role for someone who likes solving data problems, designing scalable analytics workflows, engineering reliable datasets, and developing analytical products that people use to make decisions. You’ll work across data engineering, business intelligence, analytics, and institutional strategy—partnering with technical and non-technical stakeholders to develop data solutions that improve how SDSU understands enrollment, student outcomes, academic operations, and institutional effectiveness. This work combines systems thinking, statistical reasoning, programming, data architecture, and communication. The right person for this role is energized by complexity, motivated by accuracy, and genuinely interested in how data infrastructure supports large-scale organizational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop scalable data analytics solutions using modern programming languages and tools, translating stakeholder requirements into effective technical deliverables
• Implement data pipelines, automation processes, and data engineering techniques to optimize institutional workflows and enhance data delivery
• Write, review, and optimize code for data processing, analysis, and visualization to support reporting and decision-making needs
• Design data models, algorithms, and statistical analyses to extract meaningful insights from large and diverse datasets
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity through validation processes, quality checks, and adherence to data governance standards
• Maintain clear documentation of data processes, systems, and workflows to support transparency, reproducibility, and compliance
• Troubleshoot data issues and continuously improve data architecture, pipelines, and analytics processes

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven university focused on student success, innovation, and community impact
• Work on meaningful, high-impact projects that inform institutional strategy and decision-making
• Collaborate with a diverse, supportive, and highly skilled team of data and analytics professionals
• Engage with modern data tools, technologies, and evolving analytics practices
• Access professional growth and development opportunities within a large, dynamic organization
• Benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to work-life balance

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

Analytic Studies & Institutional Research (ASIR) helps power data-informed decision-making at San Diego State University. As part of Academic Affairs, ASIR partners with university leadership and campus divisions to deliver analytics, business intelligence, and data strategy that support student success, academic planning, and institutional effectiveness.

The department combines data engineering, predictive analytics, institutional reporting, and business intelligence to develop dashboards, analytical tools, and scalable data solutions used across the university. From enrollment trends to student outcomes, ASIR transforms complex institutional data into actionable insights that shape strategic initiatives and operational decisions.

ASIR is a collaborative, analytics-driven environment focused on innovation, data integrity, and modern data infrastructure, offering the opportunity to work on high-impact projects with visible institutional impact.

For more information regarding the Analytic Studies & Institutional Research Department, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in SQL, Python, R, or related languages used for data manipulation, transformation, analysis, and automation.
• Experience developing scalable data analytics solutions and working with large, complex, and diverse datasets.
• Proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools such as Tableau and/or AWS QuickSight to develop dashboards, reports, and analytical products.
• Working knowledge of data modeling, statistical analysis, data engineering, and data operations principles.
• Experience building, maintaining, or supporting data pipelines, including data storage, transformation, integration, and front-end delivery processes.
• Knowledge of data quality management, metadata practices, and data governance principles, including data privacy and security protocols.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, investigate data issues, and develop actionable insights.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to project planning and implementation.
• Experience using project management and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while building effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of higher education reporting conventions, CSU policies, and institutional research standards preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($6,492) for qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,492.00 – $9,458 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by June 3, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tyler Emery, temery@sdsu.edu.