Senior Data Scientist - Payments (Inference)

Role Description

We are looking for a passionate data scientist to lead quantitative measurement efforts and bring novel scientific approaches to drive decision making across our platform’s payment experience. This data scientist will perform careful hypothesis generation, causal inference framework development, and model development/evaluation to ideate and drive payment strategies on our platform. This role will have a particular focus on payments fraud mitigation and loss optimization, with the goal of making our platform safer for our community.

Our Data Scientists have a deep understanding of:

• Causal framework development
• Statistical analysis
• Machine learning model development and evaluation strategies
• Running experiment/quasi-experimental methods in a two-sided marketplace

Examples of projects you may work on include:

• Development of novel metrics and frameworks that can efficiently measure outcomes
• Generating deep root cause investigations and long-term impact measurements
• Building/evaluating ML and agentic models to optimize guest, host, and business outcomes

A Typical Day

• Inference: Develop and apply causal inference methods, including experimental, econometric regressions, and quasi-experimental methods to measure a wide range of platform/product impacts.
• AI/ML: Build methods for robust evaluation of ML/AI model efficiency and performance. Identify use-cases for and develop predictive models to classify, segment, and interpret our users’ behavior.
• Optimization: Develop methodologies to explore/simulate the impact of new interventions and develop data products to optimize product/operational strategies.
• Communication: Deliver robust research reports and effective data visualizations. Collaborate with and present to stakeholders to identify opportunities and communicate findings.
• Empowerment: Think strategically about opportunities to improve and scale our brand measurement and customer insights.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in a quantitative analysis role with a Master’s degree in a quantitative field (math / economics / statistics, etc.), or 3+ years of experience with a PhD degree.
• Strong knowledge of causal inference, experimentation, applied statistical modeling, and end-to-end ML development.
• Skilled in statistical programming (Python or R) and database usage (SQL).
• Demonstrated track record of owning a business or technical domain end-to-end at a prior company.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively to audiences of varying technical levels.
• Ability to work independently, set your own roadmap, and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Payments Fraud/Risk Domain expertise is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with evaluating agentic or LLM-based systems is a plus.

Location

This position is US - Remote Eligible. The role may include occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed to with your manager. While the position is Remote Eligible, you must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: View email address on remotive.com.

How We'll Take Care of You

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.

Pay Range: $179,000 — $210,000 USD