Senior Applied Scientist

Overview 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 on our team, 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. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) 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., country-specific 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

• Masters the following areas: mechanism design for online auctions, A/B experimentation and related statistical analysis, data pipeline creation on different platforms.

• Gains expertise in the following broad areas: Mathematical and Statistical modeling, Machine and Reinforcement Learning, Optimization Methods, and Azure/Microsoft Data Science tools. Uses expertise to identify the right technique to use when examining a problem.

• Independently works to identify areas with the highest impact for business metrics.

• Reviews business requirements and incorporates research to meet business goals. Provides strategic direction for the kinds of data used to solve problems and applies deep subject matter knowledge to support business impact.

• Builds data pipelines and software to support rapid implementation of solutions, experimentation, dashboards, and diagnostics.

• Brings new technology and approaches into production.

• Documents work in progress and experimentation results and share findings to promote innovation.

Qualifications 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.

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Applied Sciences IC4 - 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. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.