Lead Data Scientist

Position Overview

MediaAlpha is a customer acquisition solutions provider powered by technology and data science. The company provides industry-leading solutions designed to reach consumers shopping within high-consideration categories such as property and casualty insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and more.
Hybrid Schedule: In-office Tuesdays/Wednesdays.

We’re looking for a Lead Data Scientist to guide a high-impact team in solving the most critical and complex problems across our marketplace. In this role, you will partner closely with product, engineering, and executive leadership to set vision and strategy for data science initiatives, ensuring that models and insights drive business growth and efficiency. This position is perfect for a strong individual contributor or an emerging team lead ready to evolve into a formal people management role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and grow a team of Data Scientists while providing coaching, career development, and performance feedback.
• Architect and productionize advanced ML/AI solutions across the marketplace.
• Improve real-time auction pricing and LTV-driven bid optimization through scalable, data-driven solutions.
• Master the MediaAlpha platform and collaborate with engineering to enhance analytical capabilities and develop new data products.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle of key initiatives from ideation to deployment and subsequent iteration.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Data Science, Analytics, or a related field, including at least 3 years in managing or leading data science teams.
• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., economics, business, finance, math, engineering, statistics) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional projects and working closely with tech/engineering teams.
• Demonstrated success deploying impactful code (e.g., predictive models, data pipelines, algorithms) to production with measurable business impact.
• Expertise in applying statistical techniques to real-world business challenges, including designing tests/experiments and evaluating outcomes.
• Proven track record of training and mentoring data scientists.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to synthesize large and disparate data sets.
• Strong critical and creative thinking, with a knack for uncovering problems and proposing innovative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter mentality with initiative to drive projects and enhance existing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with search, display, performance, and/or digital marketing.
• Experience with real-time bidding.
• Familiarity with R Shiny and Shiny Server.
• Experience with Airflow.

Compensation & Benefits

We are excited to offer a competitive base pay range of $133,000 to $247,000 per year based on experience and qualifications. As a valued team member, you will also receive an array of top-notch benefits:

• Annual discretionary bonus program and participation in our Restricted Stock Unit program.
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for you, your dependents, and spouse or registered domestic partner.
• 100% employer-paid long term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions.
• Open Paid Time Off policy with a birthday day off and 11 holidays.
• Professional development reimbursement.
• Cell phone, wellness, and internet expense reimbursement, plus a subscription to the Calm App.
• 100% fully paid parental leave: up to 22 weeks for the primary caregiver and 12 weeks for the secondary caregiver.
• Dog-friendly offices (in LA and AZ) along with a $300 pet adoption reimbursement.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

MediaAlpha is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our actions and philosophy are built on the belief that as an employer and community member, we can create opportunities for lasting change.

Fair Chance

MediaAlpha will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans. For assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact us at peopleops@mediaalpha.com or (213) 316-6256.