Lead Data Scientist

Scribd, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 126,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in content discovery seeks a Lead Data Scientist to drive data strategy, enhance user engagement, and influence content investments. The role requires a blend of analytical skills and collaboration with Product and Engineering teams, ideal for a seasoned professional ready to impact how millions engage with global content.

Benefits

100% paid healthcare insurance

12 weeks paid parental leave

401k/RSP matching

Learning and Development allowance

Quarterly wellness stipend

Mental Health support

Free subscription to Scribd

Flexible Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Volunteer Day

Qualifications

• 8+ years in data science or analytics.
• Strong foundation in statistical methods.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and Python.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve content valuation frameworks.
• Identify user engagement signals and build predictive models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for data-driven insights.

Skills

Statistical techniques

Machine learning

Data-driven insights

Modeling frameworks

Predictive modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

SQL

Python

Job description

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At Scribd (pronounced “scribbed”), our mission is to spark human curiosity. Join our team as we create a world of stories and knowledge, democratize the exchange of ideas and information, and empower collective expertise through our three products: Everand, Scribd, and Slideshare.

We support a culture where our employees can be real and be bold; where we debate and commit as we embrace plot twists; and where every employee is empowered to take action as we prioritize the customer.

When it comes to workplace structure, we believe in balancing individual flexibility and community connections. It’s through our flexible work benefit, Scribd Flex, that employees – in partnership with their manager – can choose the daily work-style that best suits their individual needs. A key tenet of Scribd Flex is our prioritization of intentional in-person moments to build collaboration, culture, and connection. For this reason, occasional in-person attendance is required for all Scribd employees, regardless of their location.

So what are we looking for in new team members? Well, we hire for “GRIT”. The textbook definition of GRIT is demonstrating the intersection of passion and perseverance towards long term goals. At Scribd, we are inspired by the potential that this can unlock, and ask each of our employees to pursue a GRIT-ty approach to their work. In a tactical sense, GRIT is also a handy acronym that outlines the standards we hold ourselves and each other to. Here’s what that means for you: we’re looking for someone who showcases the ability to set and achieve Goals, achieve Results within their job responsibilities, contribute Innovative ideas and solutions, and positively influence the broader Team through collaboration and attitude.

About The Role

The Data & Analytics team at Scribd is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive the strategy behind how Scribd discovers, prioritizes, and invests in content. Sitting at the intersection of content, product, and business, this role is both highly strategic and deeply technical — with direct impact on how millions of users engage with our global content library.

Scribd is a differentiated subscription platform with strong organic reach and a vast content catalog, spanning books, audiobooks, and over 100 million user-generated documents and slides. In a world where AI is rapidly changing content discovery, summarization, and creation, our challenge — and opportunity — is to use data to help users cut through the noise and engage with high-quality, human-centered content.

In this high-impact, cross-functional role, you’ll partner across Content, Product, and Engineering to build models, experiments, and frameworks that surface the right content to the right users — and guide strategic investments in both premium and UGC content. You’ll shape how we define content value, how we measure content ROI, and how we evolve our platform alongside emerging technologies like GenAI.

This is a rare opportunity to influence not just what content we bring onto the platform, but how it reaches and resonates with a global audience — at a moment of rapid transformation in the content landscape.

You Will

• Define and evolve content valuation frameworks, quantifying impact through both user engagement and business ROI lenses.
• Identify key user engagement signals and build predictive or causal models to evaluate content performance across the user lifecycle — from trial to activation, retention, and long-term value.
• Design and analyze experiments that measure content impact on conversion, churn, monetization, and LTV.
• Partner with Product Managers to enhance content curation, discovery, personalization, and engagement — leveraging emerging machine learning techniques such as GenAI where applicable to drive innovation.
• Collaborate with the Content Deals team to inform acquisition and licensing strategies using robust, data-backed insights.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Content, and Executive teams.
• Partner with Data Engineering and Analytics to ensure key content metrics are accurate, scalable, and accessible across the business.
• Contribute to broader data science efforts, championing experimentation standards, modeling best practices, and innovation in content strategy.
  
  

You Have

• 8+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or a related field, with a proven track record of solving complex product and business problems.
• Strong foundation in statistical and machine learning techniques, including supervised and unsupervised modeling approaches.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and Python, with hands-on experience building machine learning models and analytical workflows.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets, developing scalable data pipelines, and building reusable modeling frameworks.
• Deep expertise in A/B testing, causal inference, and quasi-experimental methods.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
• A product-oriented mindset, with strong ownership and the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
• Experience with financial modeling or content ROI frameworks is a plus.
  
  

At Scribd, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package and is determined within a range. Our pay ranges are based on the local cost of labor benchmarks for each specific role, level, and geographic location. San Francisco is our highest geographic market in the United States. In the state of California, the reasonably expected salary range is between $153,000 [minimum salary in our lowest geographic market within California] to $239,000 [maximum salary in our highest geographic market within California].

In the United States, outside of California, the reasonably expected salary range is between $126,500 [minimum salary in our lowest US geographic market outside of California] to $227,000 [maximum salary in our highest US geographic market outside of California].

In Canada, the reasonably expected salary range is between $160,500 CAD[minimum salary in our lowest geographic market] to $212,500 CAD[maximum salary in our highest geographic market].

We carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including but not limited to experience; job-related skill sets; relevant education or training; and other business and organizational needs. The salary range listed is for the level at which this job has been scoped. In the event that you are considered for a different level, a higher or lower pay range would apply. This position is also eligible for a competitive equity ownership, and a comprehensive and generous benefits package.

Are you currently based in a location where Scribd is able to employ you?

Employees must have their primary residence in or near one of the following cities. This includes surrounding metro areas or locations within a typical commuting distance:

United States

Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Jacksonville | Los Angeles | Miami | New York City | Phoenix | Portland | Sacramento | Salt Lake City | San Diego | San Francisco | Seattle | Washington D.C.

Canada

Ottawa | Toronto | Vancouver

Mexico

Mexico City

Benefits, Perks, And Wellbeing At Scribd

• Benefits/perks listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Scribd and the geographical location where you work.
• Healthcare Insurance Coverage (Medical/Dental/Vision): 100% paid for employees
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Short-term/long-term disability plans
• 401k/RSP matching
• Onboarding stipend for home office peripherals + accessories
• Learning & Development allowance
• Learning & Development programs
• Quarterly stipend for Wellness, WiFi, etc.
• Mental Health support & resources
• Free subscription to Scribd + gift memberships for friends & family
• Referral Bonuses
• Book Benefit
• Sabbaticals
• Company-wide events
• Team engagement budgets
• Vacation & Personal Days
• Paid Holidays (+ winter break)
• Flexible Sick Time
• Volunteer Day
• Company-wide Employee Resource Groups and programs that foster an inclusive and diverse workplace.
  
  

Access to AI Tools: We provide free access to best-in-class AI tools, empowering you to boost productivity, streamline workflows, and accelerate bold innovation.

Want to learn more about life at Scribd? www.linkedin.com/company/scribd/life

We want our interview process to be accessible to everyone. You can inform us of any reasonable adjustments we can make to better accommodate your needs by emailing [e-mail] about the need for adjustments at any point in the interview process.

Scribd is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, and believe that a diversity of perspectives and experiences create a foundation for the best ideas. Come join us in building something meaningful.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Software Development

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