Staff Data Scientist, Ads

Details

Reddit is a community of communities built on shared interests, passion, and trust. The Ads Data Science team at Reddit leverages data to maximize advertiser value through robust data foundations, metrics, experimentation, and cutting-edge data science methods. The team works on ads targeting, relevance modeling, auction optimization, measurement, and user experience.

This role is a high-impact, high-autonomy Staff Data Scientist position focused on advertising problems such as auction optimization, auto-bidding, ad creative performance, personalization, targeting, measurement, and related areas. The role requires deep technical ownership, cross-functional influence, and the ability to define metrics and measure impacts of product and modeling changes.

Responsibilities

• Take end-to-end ownership of complex problem spaces (e.g., auction optimization, auto-bidding, ad creative performance, personalization, targeting).
• Build and deploy predictive models, optimization frameworks, and decision-support systems that power Reddit’s ad platform and marketplace health.
• Define core business and performance metrics; design methodologies to measure the impact of product and modeling changes on advertiser ROI and user experience.
• Collaborate deeply with engineering, product, and sales to align strategic goals and translate insights into action.
• Mentor others, champion best practices across modeling, experimentation, and measurement, and set a high technical bar for the organization.
• Leverage causal inference, auction theory, and large-scale data systems to solve novel ad marketplace problems.

Requirements

• Ads experience and a deep understanding of the ads ecosystem.
• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative discipline.
  • For M.S. holders: 10+ years of industry experience in applied science, data science, or machine learning engineering roles.
  • For Ph.D. holders: 6+ years of relevant experience in applied science, data science, or machine learning engineering roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of: Auction Design & Optimization; Targeting, Personalization & Lookalike Modeling; Ads Creative & Format Evaluation; Measurement & Experimentation at Scale.
• Advanced proficiency in statistical programming (Python or R) and SQL.
• Experience with machine learning or optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, causal inference, and A/B testing methodologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving and communication skills, with a track record of influencing product and engineering partners.
• Experience working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits and income replacement programs.
• 401(k) match.
• Family planning support and gender-affirming care.
• Mental health & coaching benefits.
• Flexible vacation & Reddit Global Days Off; generous paid parental leave; paid volunteer time off.
• Eligible for equity (RSUs) and, depending on position, may be eligible for commission.

Pay Transparency

• Base pay range for this US-based position: $217,000 - $303,900 USD.
• Final offer amounts are determined by factors including skills, depth of work experience, and relevant credentials.

Location & Work Model

• US remote-friendly role (Remote - United States). Reddit is remote friendly and lists this position as remote-capable.

Additional Notes

• Interviews in select roles/locations may be recorded, transcribed, and summarized by AI; candidates can opt out prior to scheduled interviews.
• Reddit is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations in the application process.