Data Scientist (Contractor), Economics & Policy

Airbnb

80d • $140 - $150

About The Position

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way. The Economics & Policy Data Science team at Airbnb conducts rigorous, data-driven research to understand the economic and social impact of Airbnb's platform. We inform public policy debates, guide product development, and help shape the future of travel. We are a multidisciplinary team composed of economists, data scientists, and policy experts. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Scientist (Contractor - 18 month assignment) to join our Economics & Policy team. Candidates should have a strong background in economic modeling and analytics. In this role, you will work closely with senior data scientists and economists, providing critical research and modeling support for the team’s strategic projects. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience with quasi-experimental inference methods and machine learning models in a dynamic and impactful environment. A teamwork mentality and 'no task too big or too small' attitude is key. The scope of work includes quantitative analysis of high-visibility topics including regulation, tourism, and economic development/impact.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Economics, Data Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field. PhD preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in data modeling & analysis
• Knowledge of data tools including: R/Python, SQL, Data Visualization, GIS, Excel
• Strong understanding of statistical concepts and experience with data manipulation and analysis libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn in Python; dplyr, ggplot2 in R)
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Causal inference techniques (e.g. econometric regressions & quasi-experimental techniques)
• Exposure to the policy and economics domain, or adjacent domains

Responsibilities

• Model and analyze regulatory impact, providing guidance to policy team members
• Support the development and implementation of statistical models and machine learning algorithms under guidance
• Assist in the collection and preparation of large datasets for economic analysis and research
• Write and maintain clear, well-documented code for data processing and analysis
• Generate amazing visualizations to convey key concepts
• Prepare summaries of research findings and contribute to internal presentations and reports

Benefits

• Hourly rate dependent upon education, experience, and skills
• Eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees