Lead Data Scientist, Ad Research

Lead Data Scientist, Ad Research

The research/AI team is the dedicated AI/ML and data science arm of the Ad Platform organization. Its mission is to advance AI and machine learning capabilities across Ad Platform by delivering scalable, high impact AI/ML and data science solutions that enhance ad decisioning, forecasting, experimentation, and ad experience. We are seeking a Lead Data Scientist to join this innovative team.

• Drive innovation and apply data science and statistical analysis in a variety of areas to enhance every aspect of advertising serving, including inventory forecasting, ad experience, ad pacing, pricing, targeting, advertising creation and enhancement, and efficient ad delivery.
• Translate business questions into a data science framework; develop data analysis and data models for complex ad challenges with fast turnaround.
• Develop rigorous evaluation pipelines for generative AI technologies, including visual generations (image, video) and/or LLM-based agentic generations.
• Define and evaluate key metrics in various product areas.
• Partner closely with generative AI specialists to support the creation of datasets for generative AI modeling applications.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for human-driven evaluations or labeling.
• Deliver data insights and provide data-driven recommendations to cross-team stakeholders.
• Design and analyze A/B tests for machine learning algorithm iterations.
• Establish strong partnership with stakeholders, including product managers, engineers and program managers, in a collaborative environment.
• Mentor team members and support their technical growth.

• Bachelor’s in computer science, statistics or equivalent experience.
• At least 7 years of relevant industry experience in data science at leading internet or creative technology companies.
• Experience in the advertising domain is a strong bonus.
• Experience creating ML datasets and rigorous dataset labeling or evaluation processes for models.
• Strong interest to learn about generative mixed media, generative video, and diffusion-based technology.
• Solid knowledge of data science and statistics.
• Strong communication skills and business acumen.
• Proficient in SQL, Python, Java, or R.
• Familiar with Tableau, and/or other visualization tools.
• Experience designing and building machine learning models.
• Passionate about understanding the ad business, applying data science to relevant business scenarios, and seeking innovation opportunities to enhance business effectiveness.
• Interested in supporting rapid prototyping, generative AI, and creative technologies, including applications to advertisement creation and enhancement.
• Experienced building data-driven services and applications for production.
• A proven track record of thriving in a fast-paced, data-driven, and collaborative work environment.

• MS or PhD in computer science, statistics or equivalent experience.
• Experience in digital video advertising or digital marketing domain.
• Experience in production-grade development, rapid prototyping, or generative AI related research using LLMs, generative imagery or video, or agentic flows.
• Experience with Airflow, data warehouse, Databricks or Sagemaker.

The hiring range for this position in Los Angeles, CA area is $155,700 – $208,700 per year and Seattle Area is $163,100 – $218,700. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.