Avalara

People Analytics Data Scientist

Durham, NC (Hybrid)

What You'll Do This People Analytics Data Scientist is a senior role that will lead the development of advanced analytics and data science solutions, applying statistical modeling, experimentation, and predictive methods to shape Avalara’s workforce strategy at scale. You’ll translate complex people questions into robust analyses using tools such as R, Python, SQL, and modern analytics platforms, partnering with senior People, Finance, and business leaders to drive executive decision-making. What differentiates this role at Avalara is true end-to-end ownership—from data foundations and methodology through insight delivery and adoption—within a global SaaS environment that values rigorous, evidence-based approaches. This role reports to the Head of People Analytics and is a fully remote or hybrid position based in either our Seattle, WA or Durham, NC offices. What Your Responsibilities Will Be In this role, you will design and execute rigorous analyses including the use of experimental design, causal inference analyses, and machine learning models using R, Python and SQL. You will work directly with large, complex HR and business datasets to build, validate, and iterate on predictive and explanatory models that answer critical workforce questions. Your work will include data preparation, feature engineering, model evaluation, and translating results into clear, actionable insights for partners. You will also collaborate closely with stakeholders to refine hypotheses, ensure analytical rigor, and support the adoption of data-driven decisions. What You’ll Need To Be Successful Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute advanced analytics projects, including experimentation, causal inference, and machine learning, from problem definition through delivery. Strong proficiency in Python and SQL, with hands-on experience building, validating, and iterating on statistical or ML models using large, complex datasets. Experience applying rigorous analytical methods (e.g., experimental design, quasi-experimental approaches, predictive modeling) to inform business or people-related decisions. Proven track record of delivering multiple high-impact analytical outputs in parallel, balancing speed, accuracy, and stakeholder needs. Experience communicating complex analytical findings to senior, non-technical stakeholders and influencing decisions with data. Bachelor’s degree or higher in a quantitative field such as statistics, economics, data science, computer science, or equivalent practical experience. Avalara is an AI-first Company AI is embedded in our workflows, decision-making, and products. Success here requires embracing AI as an essential capability. You’ll bring experience using AI and AI-related technologies, ready to thrive here. You’ll apply AI every day to business challenges - improving efficiency, contributing solutions, and driving results for your team, our company, and our customers. You’ll grow with AI by staying curious about new trends and best practices, and by sharing what you learn so others can benefit too. How We’ll Take Care Of You Total Rewards In addition to a great compensation package, paid time off, and paid parental leave, many Avalara employees are eligible for bonuses. Health & Wellness Benefits vary by location but generally include private medical, life, and disability insurance. Inclusive culture and diversity Avalara strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to integrating them into our business practices and our organizational culture. We also have a total of 8 employee-run resource groups, each with senior leadership and exec sponsorship. What You Need To Know About Avalara We’re defining the relationship between tax and tech. We’ve already built an industry-leading cloud compliance platform, processing over 54 billion customer API calls and over 6.6 million tax returns a year. Our growth is real - we're a billion dollar business - and we’re not slowing down until we’ve achieved our mission - to be part of every transaction in the world. We’re bright, innovative, and disruptive, like the orange we love to wear. It captures our quirky spirit and optimistic mindset. It shows off the culture we’ve designed, that empowers our people to win. We’ve been different from day one. Join us, and your career will be too. We’re An Equal Opportunity Employer Supporting diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our company — we don’t want people to fit into our culture, but to enrich it. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, national orientation, disability, sexual orientation, US Veteran status, or any other factor protected by law. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.