> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2020923-principal-data-scientist-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2020923-principal-data-scientist-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Data Scientist Lead - **Company:** Microsoft - **Location:** Fargo, ND, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $130,900.0 - $277,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Presentation, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, SQL Databases, Large Language Models, Matplotlib, Information Technology, Plotly - **Published:** August 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17886625?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17886625%2FPrincipal-Data-Scientist-Lead-North-Dakota-Fargo ## About the Role Required/minimum qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), or related field AND 10+ years technical support, technical consulting experience, or information technology experience + OR equivalent experience. Other Requirements * Abilityto meet Microsoft,customerand/or government security screening requirements arerequiredfor this role. These requirementsinclude butare not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This position requires verification of U.S. citizenship due to citizenship-based legal restrictions. Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local United States government agency customer and is subject to certain citizenship-based restrictions whererequiredorpermittedby applicable law. To meet this legal requirement, citizenship will be verified via a valid passport., * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field AND 15+ years of technical support, technical consulting experience, or information technology experience + OR equivalent experience. * Authority in causal inference - able to design novel identification strategies and adjudicate hard causal questions. * Deep statistical mastery - inference, uncertainty, experimental design, and modern statistical methods. * Expert ML skills - advanced modeling, validation, and production-grade deployment at scale. * Deep experience evaluating LLMs and/or AI agents - defining evaluation strategy, novel benchmarks, and measurement standards for model and agent quality, safety, and reliability. * Data storytelling - setting the bar for communicating insight through compelling data stories and enhanced visualizations in Python (e.g., matplotlib, seaborn, plotly) or other tools. * Demonstrated influence on company strategy through causal and statistical work. * Deep experience with causal ML tooling and large-scale experimentation platforms. * Expert proficiency in Python or R and SQL. Technical Support Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $277,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $303,600 per year. ## Description * Vision & Standards: You set the long-term vision and standards for experimentation, causal inference, and machine learning across the organization. * High-Stakes Analysis: You drive the most complex, high-stakes analyses where correct causal identification is critical to strategic decisions. * Frameworks: You architect scalable modeling and experimentation frameworks adopted across teams. * Executive Advisory: You advise executives and cross-functional leaders on measurement strategy and interpretation of results. * Mentorship: You mentor senior data scientists and shape hiring and technical growth for the discipline. * Excellence: You champion methodological excellence, reproducibility, and compelling data storytelling. ## Related Videos - [Python Data Visualization @ Deepnote (w/ PyViz overview)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/113-python-data-visualization-deepnote-w-pyviz-overview) - [Inside the AI Revolution: How Microsoft is Empowering the World to Achieve More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/869-inside-the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-is-empowering-the-world-to-achieve-more) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1520-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Solving the puzzle: Leveraging machine learning for effective root cause analysis](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1518-solving-the-puzzle-leveraging-machine-learning-for-effective-root-cause-analysis) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries)