Lead Data Scientist, Data Integrity

Here’s a summary of the role:

YouGov has an exciting opportunity open for a Lead Data Scientist to come and work for a Global Online Research Company, offering insight into what the world thinks. We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Lead Data Scientist to join our team. This role is critical to ensuring the integrity and credibility of our research data. You will work independently to develop new strategies to detect, prevent, and mitigate research fraud, and be responsible for communicating the results of new and existing fraud prevention programs to internal and external stakeholders through white papers, ad hoc reports, and in-person presentations. This is a hands-on role that requires both analytical, communication, and project management skills.

We develop models and predictions using a combination of surveys, voter databases, census microdata, behavioral tracking and other sources. We handle the most difficult data problems at our company, including massive datasets, missing data, self-selection, measurement error, fraud detection, attrition, and many more. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll do (not all of it, just the important stuff):

• Develop comprehensive statistical models to detect, prevent, and respond to research fraud.   
• Lead investigations into suspected cases of research fraud, including data manipulation, respondent fraud, and other unethical practices.  
• Exercise considerable creativity, foresight, and judgment while working independently on complex research projects – including methods selection, techniques, and evaluation criteria.  
• Convey complex information and persuade several diverse stakeholders/audiences across multiple cultures.  
• Author white papers, ad hoc reports, and in-person presentations to communicate results.  
• Coordinate with senior stakeholders to understand project requirements  
• Work collaboratively with the existing data science team. 

These are the essentials you’ll need to get an interview:

• Master’s or PhD in data science, statistics, quantitative social science, or equivalent business experience
• Experience with (and ability to learn) a variety of statistical methods – regression, causal inference, multilevel regression models, classification models, machine learning, MRP, LLMs  
• Experience performing statistical analyses on large datasets.  
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis, modeling, and visualization. 
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, well-documented code. 
• Skilled at communicating results and research methodology though reports 

For roles based in California, New York, Colorado or Washington State, the base salary hiring range for this position is 140,000 USD - 180,000 USD. Compensation offered will be determined by multiple factors including location, job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation and additional benefits. All US based full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Paid vacation, holidays and sick days
• Flexible working arrangement available
• Group medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with company match

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Company Description and Culture 

YouGov is a global online research company, offering insight into what the world thinks.    

We speak daily to our panel of over 27 million registered members to understand opinion and behaviors around the world. We have a strong reputation as a source of accurate data and we’re trusted by the world’s biggest brands to get it right, making us the most quoted market research source in the world.  

Why join YouGov? 

Join our global team to help us achieve our social mission: to make millions of people’s opinions heard for the benefit of our local, national, and international communities. 

Understanding diversity of opinion requires diversity of background. Although our global panel of millions of people worldwide powers our research, our biggest asset is our people. If our research is to be truly representative of what the world thinks, we need people from all walks of life to be part of the team to bring their perspective to the work we do.  

Life at YouGov 

We are driven by a set of shared values. We are fast, fearless, and innovative. We work diligently to get it right. We are guided by accuracy, ethics, and proven methodologies. We respect and trust each other, bringing these values into everything that we do. 

We strive to provide YouGovers with best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. We want our employees to have a sense of belonging and uniqueness in a supportive workplace, so they can bring their full selves to work.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, HIV status, political affiliation, socioeconomic background, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or in line with our responsibilities as a fair and ethic employer. All employment decisions are made based on occupational qualifications, merit, and business need. 

Data Privacy

To find out how we collect and use your personal data when you apply for a role at YouGov, please read our privacy notice at https://jobs.yougov.com/privacy