Answer (1): As your specifically hired as an advisor for data science team, it in-a-way conveys that you are responsible to help them use/build an awesome data

Answer (1): As your specifically hired as an advisor for data science team, it in-a-way conveys that you are responsible to help them use/build an awesome data science tools and eventually build a team which can develop/maintain/use those tools. I think, the most important question you should ask those guys is that, how exactly that startup want to use data? It will help you to clarify your role and tasks within that organization. Answer (2): Always remember that you are advisor, you can advise data science tools/practises to the team which you built. If there are some persons who have much more experience, ask them to share their thoughts on a particular topic. But at the end, give your OWN advice. Your advice will be valuable even at that time, because you are building team in the first place. Well on another part, is REMOTE OK for you guys? :p