Senior Applied Scientist - NBA Novato, California,

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company publishing titles developed by studios such as Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K Sports Lab. 2K publishes titles across genres including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.

Our team includes engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers who steward 2K’s portfolio. Current brands include NBA 2K, Bio Shock, Borderlands, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, WWE 2K, WWE Super Card, Top Spin 2K25, and PGA TOUR 2K. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and encourage applicants to explore global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role.

If you’re interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply.

The Applied AI Team within 2K’s Product Organization is seeking a Sr. Applied Scientist to contribute to the continued innovation behind NBA 2K. This team builds production-grade algorithmic systems that directly shape the player experience. Our work spans core areas such as:

• Matchmaking
• In-game experience personalization

We combine techniques from machine learning, statistics, operations research, and economics, and partner closely with engineering, game design, and Live Ops to bring AI-driven decisioning to life across the game.

• Research, build, and deploy advanced machine learning and optimization models to improve gameplay and player engagement.
• Work across areas like matchmaking, ranking systems, personalization, and in-game economy modeling.
• Collaborate with game development, Live Ops, tech and data engineers, and product managers to scope high-impact problems and deliver solutions.
• Lead technical discussions, advocate for best practices in model development and deployment, and ensure scientific rigor.
• Stay informed on state-of-the-art techniques, evaluate their applicability, and lead efforts to integrate promising methods into our systems.

We are seeking a hands-on senior scientist who combines deep technical expertise in machine learning with strong product sense and a track record of delivering high-impact, production-ready solutions. You are comfortable leading projects independently and thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Requirements:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Math, Physics, Operations Research, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in applied science, machine learning, or data science roles, including experience deploying ML models in production environments.
• Strong background in machine learning (traditional and/or deep learning), statistical modeling, and experimentation.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with distributed computing (e.g., Spark).
• Working knowledge of ML frameworks like scikit-learn, PyTorch, Tensor Flow, and pipeline tools for model training and deployment.
• Demonstrated ability to own projects end-to-end and deliver measurable business value.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Experience with discrete optimization, reinforcement learning, recommender systems, and simulation-based modeling.
• Familiarity with production ML infrastructure, including cloud services (AWS), containerization, and model orchestration/serving.
• Knowledge of the gaming industry and experience working with game-related AI solutions.
• Interest in basketball and a willingness to engage with video games as products.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact…