Senior Applied Scientist

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

22h

About The Position

The Senior Applied Scientist works on designing online advertising auctions owned by Microsoft Advertising and its partners. The role advances auction mechanism design by extending proven approaches to new markets and developing new auction solutions. The scientist evaluates existing algorithms, identifies opportunities for improvement, and validates solutions through large-scale experimentation, using techniques such as machine learning, automation, rapid prototyping, optimization, and root cause analysis. The role offers the opportunity to lead independent projects with broad impact and collaborate across multiple teams. The position requires expertise in mechanism design for online auctions, A/B experimentation and statistical analysis, and data pipeline creation across platforms. It also involves applying mathematical and statistical modeling, machine and reinforcement learning, optimization methods, and Azure/Microsoft data science tools to select appropriate approaches, identify opportunities with high business impact, and incorporate research into business solutions. The scientist builds data pipelines and software supporting solution implementation, experimentation, dashboards, and diagnostics; brings new technologies and approaches into production; and documents and shares work and experimental findings. Microsoft employees within a 50-mile commute of a designated U.S. Microsoft Hub are expected to work in the office at least four days per week, subject to local law and jurisdiction. The stated base pay range is $119,800–$234,700 per year across the U.S., with a range of $160,200–$261,000 per year for specific work locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. The position will be open for at least five days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until filled.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related field and 4+ years of related experience, such as statistics, predictive analytics, or research; or a master's degree in one of these fields and 3+ years of related experience; or a doctorate in one of these fields and 1+ year of related experience; or equivalent experience.
Expertise in mechanism design for online auctions, A/B experimentation and related statistical analysis, and data pipeline creation on different platforms.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related field and 6+ years of related experience, such as statistics, predictive analytics, or research; or a doctorate in one of these fields and 3+ years of related experience; or equivalent experience.
Expertise in mathematical and statistical modeling, machine and reinforcement learning, optimization methods, and Azure/Microsoft data science tools.

Responsibilities

Design and advance online advertising auction mechanisms, including extending proven approaches to new markets and developing new auction solutions.
Evaluate existing algorithms, identify opportunities for improvement, and validate solutions through large-scale experimentation.
Apply expertise in online auction mechanism design, A/B experimentation and statistical analysis, and data pipeline creation across platforms.
Select appropriate techniques from mathematical and statistical modeling, machine and reinforcement learning, optimization methods, and Azure/Microsoft data science tools.
Independently identify opportunities with the highest potential impact on business metrics.
Review business requirements and incorporate research to meet business goals.
Provide strategic direction for the data used to solve problems and apply subject matter expertise to support business impact.
Build data pipelines and software to support rapid solution implementation, experimentation, dashboards, and diagnostics.
Bring new technologies and approaches into production.
Document work in progress and experimentation results, and share findings to promote innovation.
Collaborate with multiple teams across the organization and lead independent projects with broad impact.