Applied Scientist, Forecasting

Zillow Group Inc.; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive compensation based on performance

Flexible remote work options

Job summary

Zillow Group Inc. is seeking an experienced Applied Scientist in Bengaluru, India, to design and evaluate forecasting methods. This role involves building backtesting frameworks and collaborating with various teams to improve company forecasting capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or Masters in a quantitative field and over 3 years of related experience, particularly in econometric modeling and data analysis using Python and SQL. The position offers flexible remote work options.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in professional applied scientist roles.
• Strong experience in time-series forecasting and econometrics.
• Experience explaining complex models to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design methods for forecasting problems to improve accuracy.
• Build validation frameworks to assess forecast impact.
• Collaborate with finance and product teams to enhance forecasting.

Skills

Time-series forecasting

Econometrics

Data analysis with Python

Data engineering

SQL for data analysis

Education

PhD or Masters in relevant quantitative discipline

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

About the team

An Applied Scientist has a masters or PhD and is able to work with complex big data across multiple databases and sources, stitching together a cleaner version of data that is the foundation for analysis. Often times, Applied Scientists have to understand and research the intricacies of the data itself before using it to answer broader questions. More advanced coding and machine learning tools are usually required. Applied Scientists and Economists sometimes have to work together on a project, as their skill sets are complimentary. On occasion, Applied Scientists will also write research briefs, but more often than not they focus on methodology. Zillow Group is a strategic, mission-driven organization focused on delivering exceptional experiences and measurable outcomes. Our work spans cross-functional partnership, scalable programs and operational excellence in support of Zillow’s mission. We bring deep experience working across diverse teams in a dynamic, high-growth environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution to drive meaningful business impact. We are seeking an experienced professional to support our workforce expansion in India.

About the role

• Design and evaluate statistical, econometric, and machine learning methods for forecasting problems. Your work will play a central role in increasing forecast accuracy and accelerating delivery timelines.
• Build backtesting and validation frameworks to assess forecast accuracy, stability, and downstream forecast impact.
• Own the end-to-end modeling lifecycle, including scoping, feature engineering, model development, experimentation, deployment, monitoring, and model explainability.
• Translate forecasts into clear insights and recommendations for senior leadership, helping stakeholders understand drivers, uncertainty, and trade-offs that guide Zillow’s strategy.
• Quantify uncertainty and clearly communicate model confidence, limitations, and trade-offs to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Partner cross-functionally with finance, product, engineering, marketing, and operations to scale and improve forecasting capabilities across Zillow.
• Improve and contribute to shared forecasting tools, data pipelines, and processes used across the company.
• Collaborate with other applied scientists and data scientists to develop novel solutions to real estate and business problems.

Location

Remote - employees may work from a physical location of their choice. U.S. employees may live in any of the 50 United States.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or Masters) in Economics, Statistics, Operations Research, Data Science, Computer Science, Econometrics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in professional applied scientist roles.
• Strong experience with time-series forecasting, nowcasting, econometrics, or related quantitative modeling techniques.
• Strength in data engineering principles to help envision efficient data solutions at scale.
• Experience explaining complex models and analytical concepts to stakeholders with non-technical backgrounds using clear takeaways and practical business framing.
• Experience building applied statistical or machine learning models that support real business decisions in production settings.
• Proficient in Python and SQL for data analysis, model development, validation, and deployment.
• Comfortable working with incomplete, delayed, or noisy real-world data and designing robust estimation strategies.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base pay, employees are eligible for incentive compensation subject to applicable laws and relevant Zillow policies. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, maternity status, HIV status, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with disabilities, in accordance with applicable policies.