Data Scientist III

Data Scientist III (Contractor) - Central PubSports Insights

Los Angeles, CA (hybrid)

Description:

Must Have

• Experience conducting exploratory data analysis on ordinal and continuous data, with a focus on extracting meaningful insights to inform hypotheses, models, or product decisions.
• Experience modeling longitudinal sentiment data, especially multi-item constructs (e.g., using latent growth models or hierarchical models).
• Familiarity with survey methodology and longitudinal study design
• Proficiency applying causal inference methods to observational panel data (e.g., fixed effects, inverse probability weighting).
• Proficiency using Python and SQL for large-scale data analysis in distributed computing environments (e.g., Spark or cloud-based platforms like Databricks)
• Skilled in preparing complex survey datasets, including handling multicollinearity, missing data, irregular time spacing, weighting, and reshaping wide/long data.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning, AI, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field with 4+ years of industry experience (including postdoctoral work), or equivalent practical experience (M.S. with 6-8+ years, or B.S. with 8-10+ years)

Deep expertise in Python and SQL, with experience working on large-scale, distributed data systems (e.g., Spark, Databricks, or cloud-based platforms)

Proven track record of developing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning models in production environments (e.g., recommendation systems, churn prediction, personalization)

Strong foundation in causal inference and experimentation, including advanced methods beyond standard A/B testing (e.g., quasi-experiments, instrumental variables, uplift modeling)

Demonstrated ability to independently scope, prioritize, and execute complex analytical projects with significant business impact

Experience influencing product or business strategy through data-driven insights

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Deep intuition for player behavior, engagement loops, and monetization systems within games or digital products

Experience operating in highly cross-functional environments and influencing without direct authority

Strong leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance skills within data science or analytics teams

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to tailor insights to both technical and non-technical audiences and drive alignment across stakeholders

Education Required:

• Ph.D., Master s, or Bachelor s degree in Machine Learning, AI, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field (as per experience equivalency mentioned above)