Senior Data Scientist, Causal Science

Senior Data Scientist, Causal Science

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to lead the evaluation strategy for our most dynamic personalization surfaces. Working closely with the Presentation Pod, you will ensure that visual optimizations for Artwork, Marquees, and Display items are spearheading true causal lift. You will be the primary scientific partner for validating high-velocity, Bandit-based systems. This is an Independent Contributor role, meaning you are trusted to solve ambiguous problems where standard A/B testing often fails. You will design and implement counterfactual analysis frameworks and off-policy evaluation methods to measure the performance of contextual bandits. You will raise the bar for the team by anticipating experimentation risks and mentoring junior analysts in the nuances of causal inference.

Why This Role Matters

• Validating the Gateway: You ensure the Presentation pod's visual optimizations are statistically sound and causally effective.
• Bandit Mastery: You solve the unique task of evaluating "always-on" learning systems where traditional group-based splits are insufficient.
• Scientific Integrity: You protect the organization from "false wins" by applying rigorous counterfactual analysis and bias correction.

Responsibilities

• Design Complex Experiments: Lead the design of experimentation frameworks for contextual bandits, focusing on reward definition and exploration strategies.
• Counterfactual Evaluation: Develop and scale off-policy evaluation (OPE) methods to estimate model impact before live deployment.
• Strategic Partnership: Act as the scientific consultant for the Presentation Pod, navigating the trade-offs between exploration and exploitation.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and fix potential biases in experimentation pipelines (e.g., selection bias or feedback loops).
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to junior analysts, fostering a culture of scientific rigor.

Basic Qualifications: Minimum: 5+ years in Data Science; expert knowledge of Causal Inference and counterfactual modeling. Proficient in Python and SQL. Experience with Contextual Bandits.

Additional Qualifications: Off-Policy Evaluation (OPE); background in high-scale tech or AdTech.

Paramount Streaming, a division within Paramount Global, is the home to the company's direct-to-consumer services spanning free and paid in the form of Pluto TV and Paramount+. Pluto TV is the global leader in free ad-supported TV, delivering more than 1,400 global channels and an extensive library of streaming content, including live and original channels. Paramount+, digital subscription video-on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news, and A Mountain of Entertainment™. Paramount+ features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®.

Hiring Salary Range: $124,000.00 - 186,000.00. The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable, as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is bonus eligible.

Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages. Generous paid time off. An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount's most dynamic teams. Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events. Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.