Senior Economist, PXT Central Science

About the role

The Central Science Team within Amazon’s People Experience and Technology org (PXTCS) uses economics, behavioral science, statistics, and machine learning to proactively identify mechanisms and process improvements which simultaneously improve Amazon and the lives, well-being, and the value of work to Amazonians. We are an interdisciplinary team that combines the talents of science and engineering to develop and deliver solutions that measurably achieve this goal.

The ideal candidate will work with various science, engineering, operations, and analytics teams to estimate models and algorithms on large-scale data, design pilots and measure their impact, and transform successful prototypes into improved policies and programs at scale. They will lead teams of researchers to produce robust, objective research results and insights which can be communicated to a broad audience inside and outside of Amazon.

To be successful in this role, you should be comfortable operating with ambiguity, able to independently scope and prioritize research agendas, skilled at influencing decisions through rigorous analysis, and comfortable with using AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide structure around complex business problems and hone them into specific, scientific questions.
• Test scientific questions to generate actionable insights.
• Collaborate with science, engineering, operations, and analytics teams to estimate models and algorithms on large-scale data.
• Design pilots, measure their impact, and scale successful prototypes into improved policies and programs.
• Lead teams of researchers to produce robust, objective research results and insights.
• Communicate findings to a broad audience inside and outside of Amazon.

Requirements

• PhD in Economics or equivalent.
• Deep expertise in causal inference and applied econometrics.
• Experience with large-scale data and proficiency in statistical programming (Python preferred).
• Familiarity with machine learning methods is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in analytics and applied economics.
• Experience developing and executing an analytic vision to solve business-relevant problems.
• Experience building statistical models using R, Python, STATA, or related software.
• Experience in industry, consulting, government, or academic research.

Pay

Base salary ranges by location:

• San Francisco, CA: $183,000 – $247,600 USD annually
• Arlington, VA / Seattle, WA / Other U.S. locations: $159,200 – $215,300 USD annually

Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments, restricted stock units (RSUs), and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D, and optional supplemental life plans), 401(k) matching, paid time off, parental leave, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, EAP, mental health support, and a medical advice line.

Benefits

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D, and optional supplemental life plans).
• 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off and parental leave.
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health support.
• Medical advice line.