Embedded Senior Data Scientist - Product & Growth

The Briefed; New York (NY); Remote; USD 183,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary with equity

Comprehensive health plans

Catered meals and language learning

Learning stipends and flexible remote"

Job summary

Duolingo is seeking a Staff Data Scientist to join the Growth Data Science team in the United States. You will embed within cross-functional product pods to drive growth through ML, predictive modeling, and robust experimentation.

You will build scalable data products, own end-to-end A/B testing, and translate complex analytics into strategic narratives for executives, while mentoring junior data scientists and shaping growth analytics standards.

Qualifications

• Embedded within software product teams to solve growth challenges.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field (or equivalent).
• Fluency in ML algorithms, predictive modeling, regression, classification, and hypothesis testing.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python or R, Snowflake, dbt, Airflow.
• Strong written and verbal communication with a track record translating analytics into business recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Embed within product pods to formulate growth hypotheses and optimize journeys.
• Build, validate, and deploy ML models and predictive algorithms for retention and acquisition.
• Own end-to-end A/B testing design, power calculations, metrics, and evaluation.
• Develop dashboards and data pipelines to elevate growth analytics.
• Distill quantitative findings into actionable executive narratives.
• Mentor junior data scientists and establish analytics best practices.

Skills

Embedded product track record

Machine learning fluency

Executive communication skills

Education

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Applied Mathematics, or related quantitative field

Tools

SQL

Python or R

Snowflake

dbt

Airflow

Job description

Duolingo is the world's most popular learning app, on a mission to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We rely on data-driven experimentation and Machine Learning to continuously improve learning efficacy and user engagement for over half a billion learners globally.

As a Staff Data Scientist on the Growth Data Science team, you will embed directly within one or more cross-functional product development teams. Combining deep technical fluency in data science, machine learning, and quantitative experimentation with acute product intuition, you will identify high-leverage growth opportunities, design robust A/B experiments, build predictive ML models, and translate complex data findings into actionable narratives that guide executive decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Embedded Product Analytics: Embed directly within product pods (working alongside Product Managers, Engineers, Designers, and Marketers) to formulate growth hypotheses, prioritize data science investments, and optimize user journeys.
• Predictive ML & Data Products: Build, validate, and deploy scalable machine learning models and predictive algorithms to personalize user experiences, predict retention, and improve user acquisition funnels.
• A/B Testing & Experimentation: Own end-to-end experimental design, power calculations, metric definition, and statistical evaluation for high-velocity A/B testing across core product surfaces.
• Analytical Infrastructure & Enablement: Develop standardized analytical definitions, methodological guidelines, self-service dashboards, and data pipelines that elevate data fluency across growth teams.
• Executive Communication: Distill complex quantitative models and statistical findings into crisp, actionable strategic narratives for executive leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Mentorship & Practice Leadership: Mentor junior data scientists and establish analytics best practices across the Growth Pillar and the broader Duolingo Data Science organization.

Requirements

Embedded Data Science & ML Depth

• Embedded Product Track Record: Demonstrated experience working as a Data Scientist embedded within software product development teams, using data to solve messy real-world user growth challenges.
• Advanced Quantitative Degree: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent demonstrated expertise).
• Machine Learning Fluency: Practical fluency with standard machine learning algorithms, predictive modeling, regression analysis, classification, and statistical hypothesis testing.
• Modern Data Stack Mastery: Exceptional proficiency in SQL, Python or R, AI analysis tools, and modern data engineering ecosystems (Snowflake, dbt, Airflow).
• Executive Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of translating complex analytical outputs into crisp business recommendations.

Work Logistics

• Passion for Duolingo's mission to democratize education worldwide.
• Ability to work from or relocate to Duolingo's product hubs in Pittsburgh, PA, New York City, NY, or work remotely within the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating within a high-growth consumer technology company, specifically supporting user acquisition, activation, or retention product pods.
• Hands-on experience building, maintaining, and deploying production ML models and real-time inference infrastructure.
• An impressive Duolingo streak!

Total Rewards & Benefits

• Compensation & Equity: Base salary of $182,800 – $247,300 USD supplemented by competitive equity grants.
• Holistic Well-Being: Choice of top-tier health plans with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Culture & Perks: Catered in-house breakfast and lunch, language learning perks, bi-annual company hackathons, and active employee social clubs.
• Growth & Flexibility: Dedicated learning stipends, generous paid time off, and flexible remote work options.