Data Scientist

We are seeking an Ontologically Aware Data Scientist to design, build, and operationalize knowledgecentric AI/ML systems that integrate ontology engineering, semantic data modeling, and advanced analytics. This role blends deep experience with RDF/OWL/SHACL and graph data models with practical machine learning, naturallanguage processing, and context engineering. You will develop semantic foundations and AI-driven tooling that enable multiple organizations to communicate using shared ontologies and that support naturallanguagetoSPARQL interfaces with reduced hallucination.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain logical, semantically rich, extensible ontologies (RDF/OWL/SKOS) aligned to foundational/toplevel ontologies (BFO, DOLCE, CCO, OBO Foundry).
• Build and evolve canonical vocabularies that unify heterogeneous datasets across organizational boundaries.
• Design, implement, and maintain knowledge graphs and semantic data models using AnzoGraph including modeling tradeoffs, query optimization, and production operations.
• Create SHACL validation layers; run regular quality checks to ensure consistency, backward compatibility, and schema integrity.
• Write performant SPARQL queries; develop mapping views, CONSTRUCT transformations, and federated semantic integrations.
• Develop hybrid ontology-GenAI capabilities, including naturallanguagetoSPARQL pipelines with context engineering frameworks (e.g., DSPy) to reduce hallucination and improve schema grounding.
• Apply machine learning techniques-classification, embeddingbased retrieval, entity resolution, and model finetuning-to support ontology evolution, reification, and inference.
  
  
• Partner with crossfunctional teams (Data Engineering, Developers, content owners) to understand information needs and deliver semantic/analytical solutions.
• Produce clear, accessible technical documentation; deliver onboarding and training for both technical and nontechnical users.
• Apply strong software engineering discipline to semantic assets: version control, code review, automated SHACL/dbt tests, CI/CD pipeline alignment.
• Support both new development and ongoing operations/maintenance across unclassified and classified environments.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience OR a Master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience OR A PhD with 3 years of relevant experience
• Prefer an advanced degree in Philosophy, Computer Science, Information Science, or a quantitative field, or equivalent experience.
• Deep proficiency in ontology languages (RDF, OWL, SHACL) and vocabularies (SKOS).
• Strong SPARQL skills; experience with semantic ETL, query optimization, and graph reasoning.
• Proficiency in Python (plus R/Java as needed) for data science, graph processing, and ML model development.
• Strong engineering practices: Git, PR workflow, testing/validation, CI/CD.
• Active TS adjudication with ability to obtain the SCI/CI Poly.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with ontology/graph platforms such as Protege, AnzoGraph, Stardog, PoolParty, or Semaphore.
• Experience integrating disparate datasets into a unified semantic model and writing effective production-grade queries.
• Familiarity with upper ontologies (BFO, DOLCE, Common Core Ontologies, OBO Foundry).
• Knowledge of machine learning, including supervised/unsupervised methods, embeddings, and model finetuning.

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.