Staff Data Scientist I, Direct Marketing

Root Inc.

Staff Data Scientist leading bidding, targeting, and marketing optimization for Root’s technology-driven car insurance business. Building production ML systems and guiding performance marketing strategy.

Posted 9/11/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $171,400 - $214,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and deploying advanced ML models, particularly ensemble methods, while leading cross-functional teams and mentoring data scientists. Proficient in Python, AWS tools, and version control, with a strong focus on automation, innovation, and effective communication of technical concepts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Degree In Quantitative DisciplineExpert-Level Python SkillsExtensive Experience With Advanced ML ModelsHands-On Experience With AWS ToolsDemonstrated Leadership In Model Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Advanced Quantitative TechniquesML Model DevelopmentData QueryingData ManipulationModelingAutomated TestingProduction Engineering PracticesMonitoring FrameworksVersion ControlEnsemble Methods

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOwnership MentalityMentoring AbilityInitiativeCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

AWS EC2AWS SageMakerAWS RedshiftGitML Operations

Industry Keywords

Performance MarketingBidding OptimizationTargeting OptimizationMarketing OptimizationBusiness IntelligenceVisualization Skills

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Amazon RedshiftAWSEC2Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development and advancement of ML models for bidding, targeting, and marketing optimization across paid search, lead aggregators, affiliates, direct mail, and emerging performance channels
Partner with Lifetime Value, Engineering, Marketing, and external vendors to translate business opportunities into scalable ML solutions
Set the technical direction of the Performance Marketing team by building and prioritizing a multi-quarter research roadmap spanning modeling, experimentation, and ML operations
Identify and frame high-leverage opportunities across performance marketing, evaluate technical approaches, and prioritize investments
Mentor data scientists and MLEs in research design, ML model development, technical decision-making, and production engineering practices
Design and build production-ready ML systems with maintainable code, reproducible research, automated testing, deployment, and operational reliability
Build monitoring frameworks for interconnected ML systems to detect model degradation, data issues, and channel performance changes
Lead zero-to-one prototypes and introduce new modeling or ML operations capabilities
Engage regularly with cross-functional departments and the executive team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree in a quantitative discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred)
8+ years of experience applying advanced quantitative techniques in industry
Demonstrated leadership in developing and deploying real-time models, emphasizing automation and innovation
Expert-level Python skills, including data querying, manipulation, and modeling
Extensive experience developing and applying advanced ML models, particularly ensemble methods
Skilled in version control (e.g. Git) with experience contributing to large-scale, collaborative projects
Hands-on experience with AWS tools (e.g., EC2, SageMaker, Redshift) or equivalent platforms for scalable compute and storage
Excellent business intelligence and visualization skills
Ability to communicate insights and technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Ownership mentality and demonstrated ability to take initiative, drive work forward, and mentor others
Strong communication skills
Must be on camera for virtual interviews

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive bonus
Equity offering
Work in whatever location works best across the US
Reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process