Staff Data Scientist - Ad Display Optimization (Android)

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Staff Data Scientist to lead our efforts in optimizing ad display on native Android surfaces. In this role, you will design and implement data-driven strategies to maximize ad effectiveness, user engagement, and revenue. You will collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve ad relevance, and ensure a seamless user experience.

As a Staff Data Scientist, you’ll get to:

• Develop and refine data-driven ad optimization strategies tailored to native Android environments, focusing on user engagement, personalization, and revenue uplift.
• Design, implement, and improve predictive models for ad targeting, recommendation, and bidding strategies using cutting-edge machine learning and statistical techniques.
• Lead the design and analysis of experiments to test ad placements, formats, and targeting methods. Use data from A/B tests and multivariate testing to validate hypotheses and inform decisions.
• Analyze user behavior patterns to understand engagement and dropout points, leveraging insights to optimize ad positioning, timing, and relevance.
• Partner with product managers, engineers, designers, and marketing teams to align ad strategies with business objectives and user experience goals. Communicate insights and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure the scalability of ad models across a wide range of Android devices and varying network conditions. Work closely with engineering teams to deploy and monitor models in a production environment.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment. Lead by example in developing high-quality, scalable solutions for complex ad optimization challenges.

You’ll be a good fit if you have:

• PhD (preferred) or Master's Degree (required) in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science or machine learning, with a strong focus on ad technology or user experience optimization.
• Demonstrable experience in working with ad serving, ad tech stacks, and optimization techniques, especially within Android or mobile ecosystems.
• Expertise in machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency in Python, or Kotlin.
• Experience with data processing and pipeline tools (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, Airflow).
• Deep understanding of A/B testing, causal inference, and other experimentation methods.
• Familiarity with ad tech, programmatic advertising, and user behavior metrics, particularly in the context of mobile and Android platforms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proven ability to articulate complex data science concepts to stakeholders across different domains.

 Nice to have: 

• Previous experience optimizing ad displays on native mobile or Android surfaces.
• Familiarity with the Android SDK and understanding of native Android UI/UX design principles.
• Knowledge of reinforcement learning, multi-armed bandit models, and contextual targeting techniques.

This role is either based at our Bengaluru, India office and follows a Hybrid schedule that will be aligned with our Return to Office guidelines (preferred) or 100% remote in India. This role is not eligible for remote work in any other location.