Applied Scientist

Summary

Join Thumbtack's Applied Science team as an Applied Scientist and contribute to the growth of our marketplace connecting homeowners and service professionals. You will leverage your expertise in machine learning, optimization, and statistics to build and improve our marketplace's monetization mechanics, predictive models, and matching algorithms. This role involves designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will need expert knowledge of machine learning techniques, experience building algorithms for complex human settings, and strong analytical and communication skills. Thumbtack offers a virtual-first work model with various benefits and perks.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of machine learning techniques
• Experience building algorithms to serve complex human settings with dynamic behavior adaptation
• Experience in auctions and price theory
• Ability to effectively read, write, and debug code in programming languages such as Python
• Good knowledge of probability and statistics, including experimental design, optimization, and causal inference
• Ability to break down complex problems rigorously and understand the tradeoffs necessary to deliver impactful projects
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to cross functional partners of various technical levels

Responsibilities

• Initiate and drive applied science initiatives to completion, with a focus on the business impact of those projects
• Architect and deploy machine learning systems and algorithms to production
• Design and execute experiments, collect and analyze data to characterize our product and marketing
• Analyze a wide variety of data: structured and unstructured, observational and experimental
• Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and economists to use sound statistical practices
• Maintain the right balance between speed of execution and scientific rigor when designing solutions
• Technical mentorship of other applied scientists

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NLP techniques, including familiarity with modern LLM designs and tools
• Demonstrated ability to create and drive technical and impactful roadmaps for the business, and lead seamless execution
• Expert knowledge of probability and statistics, including experimental design, predictive modeling, optimization, and causal inference
• Expert knowledge of auctions and price theory
• Experience with large-scale distributed systems
• Ph.D. in a relevant field

Benefits

• Virtual-first working model coupled with in-person events
• 20 company-wide holidays including a week-long end-of-year company shutdown
• Library (optional use collaboration & connection hub) in San Francisco
• WiFi reimbursements
• Cell phone reimbursements (North America)
• Employee Assistance Program for mental health and well-being