Senior Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Established with the vision of a world where every individual can freely share in the sum of all knowledge, the foundation believes in the potential of every person to contribute to shared knowledge and the importance of free access to that knowledge. The organization hosts Wikipedia and various Wikimedia projects, develops software for reading and sharing content, supports volunteer communities, and advocates for policies that promote free knowledge. As a charitable organization, it relies on donations from millions of individuals globally, with an average donation of about $15, as well as institutional grants. The Wikimedia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in San Francisco, California, USA, and operates with a diverse workforce across over 40 countries, emphasizing inclusivity and equity in its hiring practices.

Job Overview:
As a Senior scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between complex datasets and strategic actions within the Wikimedia Foundation. Your primary responsibility will be to synthesize information from various external sources, including Google Search Console, Semrush, AHRefs, and Matomo, alongside the foundation's own data lake. This synthesis will help develop insights into search recall gaps and emerging topic trends, ultimately providing leadership with the clarity needed to make informed decisions. You will inform Wikimedia's strategy to ensure users can find the content they need across Wikipedia and other wiki projects, as well as on the foundation's websites. Your work will involve analyzing web analytics, search trends, content trends, and patterns of usage to enhance the visibility of Wikimedia's content.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the primary architect of search and visibility insights, your responsibilities will include integrating fragmented data from various sources such as the internal data lake, BigQuery, Matomo, and external intelligence tools like Ahrefs and Semrush. You will create a unified view of how users discover and utilize content across desktop and mobile platforms. Additionally, you will translate complex analytics and trends into actionable narratives that guide leadership in navigating uncertainties and prioritizing impactful interventions. You will develop automated systems to identify under-indexed content, establish metrics to track content utilization within Large Language Models, and collaborate with product leaders to set achievable goals. Your role will also involve assessing new initiatives through rigorous experimental design, interpreting website performance data to uncover insights, and supporting strategies aimed at improving user experience and conversion outcomes on Wikimedia's websites.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must be fluent in Python and Jupyter for data analysis, statistical modeling, simulation, visualization, and reporting. Proficiency in SQL and experience working with large-scale data using tools such as Hive, Presto, Druid, and Spark are essential. Candidates should also have experience building dashboards and reports using tools like Jupyter, Quarto, and Superset. A solid understanding of website operations, including structure, user journeys, and tracking mechanisms, is required, along with practical expertise in web search SEO/GEO. A Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of related experience or a Master’s degree with 3 years of related experience, or equivalent work experience, is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in a similar field is acceptable, along with the corresponding years of experience. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in data analysis, statistical methods, and relevant technologies used in data science.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or 3 years of related experience for those with a Master’s degree. This experience should include hands-on work with data analysis, statistical modeling, and the use of various data tools and technologies. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully applying data science methodologies to real-world problems and providing actionable insights.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration and reporting. While not required, familiarity with additional languages would be considered a plus, especially if they are relevant to the Wikimedia Foundation's global audience and projects.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote-first, allowing for flexibility in work location. The Wikimedia Foundation is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from various backgrounds to apply. The anticipated annual pay range for this position for applicants based in the United States is between US$106,227 and US$167,858, with compensation adjusted based on location and individual factors. The foundation does not consider salary history in its hiring process, ensuring equitable pay based on skills and experience. Additionally, the organization offers various benefits and perks to its employees, which can be discussed during the interview process.