Research Data Scientist Jobs in Texas
Research Data Scientist jobs in Texas are in active demand, with strong concentrations in biomedical research, energy analytics, financial technology, and defense contracting, and openings at every level from entry-level analyst to principal scientist. Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth lead hiring volume, anchored by major employers such as Dell Technologies, ExxonMobil, and the University of Texas system. The most sought-after specialties in Texas are machine learning for biomedical applications, geospatial and energy data modeling, and natural language processing for enterprise platforms. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Staff Scientist, O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute - (PRO00000377)
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
SMU's O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute was launched in Fall 2020. The Institute aims to develop research connections between SMU's faculty affiliates and corporations, federal/state/local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
The Institute strives to provide these partners with access to graduate and undergraduate students in our data science programs for project participation, internships, and potential full-time employment. We also serve as a gateway to SMU's high performance computing environment and data science training tutorials and workshops.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Staff Scientist in the O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) will support SMU’s research activities in data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and high-performance computing (HPC). The ODSRCI was established to enhance and connect data-intensive research across the SMU campus through advanced computational infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with the Director, faculty, and research teams, the Staff Scientist will contribute technical and research expertise to projects involving data analytics, scientific computing, AI/ML, and related computational methods.
Essential Functions:
- The responsibilities of this role include contributing to research activities in data science, AI/ML, high-performance computing, and related emerging technologies through participation in assigned projects and collaborative initiatives. The Staff Scientist will help identify external funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development and submission.
- This role requires collaboration with industry and academia to advance the O'Donnell Institute's research and development efforts. The Staff Scientist will promote the mission and capabilities of SMU and the O'Donnell Institute in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and HPC. He/she will communicate SMU's strengths and accomplishments to help support the Institute's continued growth.
- The O'Donnell Institute provides support to graduate students through graduate fellowships and short-term internships. The Staff Scientist will help design student research projects for maximum impact and learning opportunities. He/she will also provide mentorship to graduate students to help establish a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary research, and scholarship.
- The O'Donnell Institute holds multiple events throughout the year to communicate its mission and progress to the public and various stakeholders. The Institute also provides training and workshops to SMU researchers and collaborators in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and high-performance computing. The Staff Scientist will help design, organize, and execute these events.
- Occasional travel to meet sponsors and attend workshops and conferences is required.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Doctoral degree is required. A degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field is preferred.
A minimum of two years of research experience and established track record in the fields of data science and AI/ML is required.
Experience working across disciplinary boundaries to develop research conditions is preferred. Experience in mentoring students is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate must have a good understanding of the interface of academia and industry.
Candidate must have awareness of current and upcoming changes in the funding and research landscape.
Knowledge of HPC software stacks and parallel computing is required. Experience with GPU and accelerated computing is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
- Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 1, 2026
The position is open until filled.
EEO Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas
Job: Research
Organization: Provost - Other
Schedule: Regular
Shift: Staff
Employee Status: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Full-time
Job Level: Day Job
Travel: No
Job Posting: Jun 12, 2026, 1:34:04 PM
Staff Scientist, O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute - (PRO00000377)
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
SMU's O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute was launched in Fall 2020. The Institute aims to develop research connections between SMU's faculty affiliates and corporations, federal/state/local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
The Institute strives to provide these partners with access to graduate and undergraduate students in our data science programs for project participation, internships, and potential full-time employment. We also serve as a gateway to SMU's high performance computing environment and data science training tutorials and workshops.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Staff Scientist in the O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) will support SMU’s research activities in data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and high-performance computing (HPC). The ODSRCI was established to enhance and connect data-intensive research across the SMU campus through advanced computational infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with the Director, faculty, and research teams, the Staff Scientist will contribute technical and research expertise to projects involving data analytics, scientific computing, AI/ML, and related computational methods.
Essential Functions:
- The responsibilities of this role include contributing to research activities in data science, AI/ML, high-performance computing, and related emerging technologies through participation in assigned projects and collaborative initiatives. The Staff Scientist will help identify external funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development and submission.
- This role requires collaboration with industry and academia to advance the O'Donnell Institute's research and development efforts. The Staff Scientist will promote the mission and capabilities of SMU and the O'Donnell Institute in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and HPC. He/she will communicate SMU's strengths and accomplishments to help support the Institute's continued growth.
- The O'Donnell Institute provides support to graduate students through graduate fellowships and short-term internships. The Staff Scientist will help design student research projects for maximum impact and learning opportunities. He/she will also provide mentorship to graduate students to help establish a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary research, and scholarship.
- The O'Donnell Institute holds multiple events throughout the year to communicate its mission and progress to the public and various stakeholders. The Institute also provides training and workshops to SMU researchers and collaborators in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and high-performance computing. The Staff Scientist will help design, organize, and execute these events.
- Occasional travel to meet sponsors and attend workshops and conferences is required.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Doctoral degree is required. A degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field is preferred.
A minimum of two years of research experience and established track record in the fields of data science and AI/ML is required.
Experience working across disciplinary boundaries to develop research conditions is preferred. Experience in mentoring students is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate must have a good understanding of the interface of academia and industry.
Candidate must have awareness of current and upcoming changes in the funding and research landscape.
Knowledge of HPC software stacks and parallel computing is required. Experience with GPU and accelerated computing is preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
- Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 1, 2026
The position is open until filled.
EEO Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas
Job: Research
Organization: Provost - Other
Schedule: Regular
Shift: Staff
Employee Status: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Full-time
Job Level: Day Job
Travel: No
Job Posting: Jun 12, 2026, 1:34:04 PM
See All 16 Research Data Scientist Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Data Scientist JobsResearch Data Scientist Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Data Scientist Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- The University of Texas at Austin3
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension2
- The University of Texas Medical Branch2
- University of Texas Medical Branch2
- Gruma1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education8
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
- Accounting & Auditing2
- Science & Research2
- Technology & Software2
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research data scientist jobs across Texas.
- Master's or doctoral degree in statistics, computer science, or a quantitative discipline
- Proficiency in Python and R for statistical modeling and data analysis
- Experience designing and executing end-to-end machine learning pipelines
- Ability to communicate complex findings to non-technical Texas business stakeholders
- Familiarity with cloud data platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Prior research experience demonstrated through publications, projects, or a portfolio
Research Data Scientist Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research data scientist in Texas?
Most research data scientist roles in Texas require at minimum a master's degree in statistics, data science, computer science, or a related quantitative field, with doctoral degrees strongly preferred for academic and biomedical research positions. Texas does not issue a state license for this role, so candidates advance through academic credentials, a published research portfolio, and demonstrated proficiency in machine learning and statistical modeling. Strong candidates target positions at Texas research universities, medical centers, or large technology and energy firms.
How much do research data scientists make in Texas?
Research data scientists in Texas earn a median of about $122,090 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,540 for the lowest 10% to over $170,780 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research data scientists in Texas?
Employers hiring research data scientists in Texas right now include The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and The University of Texas Medical Branch, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Texas's blend of large technology firms in Austin, energy majors in Houston, and major research universities and health systems statewide means hiring is distributed across multiple established institutions with consistent demand.
Which Texas cities have the most research data scientist jobs?
Austin, Galveston, and Dallas account for the greatest concentration of research data scientist openings in Texas. Austin's dense technology and semiconductor sector drives volume there, Houston's energy industry and Texas Medical Center generate strong demand for biomedical and energy analytics roles, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex draws hiring through its large financial services, telecommunications, and defense contracting base.
Are there remote research data scientist jobs in Texas?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 19% of research data scientist openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the fundamentally analytical and desk-based nature of the work. Modeling, coding, and reporting tasks translate well to remote environments, though roles tied to laboratory research or government-contract work at Texas facilities tend to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a research data scientist in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistantship or doctoral program at a Texas institution such as UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Rice University, which feed directly into industry roles. Early-career candidates also move in from adjacent positions such as data analyst, biostatistician, or quantitative analyst at Texas health systems or energy companies. Building a public portfolio of end-to-end modeling projects and contributing to open research datasets signals capability when formal experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to research data scientist jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to research data scientist jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current Texas openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 16 Research Data Scientist Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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