Senior Applied Scientist

About the role

Our team of Applied Scientists works on designing online advertising auctions owned by Microsoft Advertising and its partners. We develop algorithms for ranking and pricing of ads and contribute significantly to the long-term success of the Microsoft Advertising business. You will work with experienced and supportive colleagues while having the opportunity to propose, lead, and drive independent projects with broad impact.

As a Senior Applied Scientist, you will advance auction mechanism design by extending proven approaches to new markets and developing new auction solutions. You will evaluate existing algorithms, identify opportunities for improvement, and validate your solutions through large-scale experimentation. This role leverages a broad range of techniques, including Machine Learning, automation, rapid prototyping, optimization, and root cause analysis. It offers the opportunity to deliver measurable, high-visibility impact while collaborating closely with multiple teams across the organization.

Starting January 26, 2026, employees who live within a 50-mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S. location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Master mechanism design for online auctions, A/B experimentation, and related statistical analysis, as well as data pipeline creation on different platforms.
• Gain expertise in mathematical and statistical modeling, machine and reinforcement learning, optimization methods, and Azure/Microsoft Data Science tools.
• Identify the right technique to use when examining a problem.
• Independently identify areas with the highest impact for business metrics.
• Review business requirements and incorporate research to meet business goals.
• Provide strategic direction for the kinds of data used to solve problems and apply deep subject matter knowledge to support business impact.
• Build data pipelines and software to support rapid implementation of solutions, experimentation, dashboards, and diagnostics.
• Bring new technology and approaches into production.
• Document work in progress and experimentation results, and share findings to promote innovation.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
• OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
• OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
• OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
• OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
• OR equivalent experience.

Pay

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.