Senior Data Scientist

The Xbox Planning & Insights team plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the Gaming organization by delivering business intelligence, analytics, and decision science that drive impact across the Xbox ecosystem. We partner cross-functionally to optimize performance, inform investment decisions, and ensure alignment with long-term goals. Whether supporting Game Pass content strategy, membership planning, or platform insights, our work is grounded in a customer centric approach and a commitment to execution excellence—from idea to measurable outcomes. We’re looking for candidates who are comfortable navigating evolving or complex challenges, bring thoughtful and data-driven decision-making, and are passionate about building the future of gaming. 

As a Senior Data Scientist on the Gaming Experimentation team you will help us accelerate product development using A/B experiments and statistical analysis. You will have the opportunity to shape the use of A/B experiments in the Xbox organization, driving an end-to-end experimentation lifecycle including hypothesis generation, experimental design, implementation, and analysis. You will guide your stakeholders in their decision-making and collaborate with product teams to understand the customer experience. This opportunity will allow you to leverage your passion for data and the scientific method, apply your research knowledge to improve Xbox products and services, and be at the cutting edge of business strategies in Gaming. 

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) 
  • OR Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) 
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) 
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) with a focus on reproducibility and clarity.
• Experience with statistical hypothesis testing (e.g. randomized controlled experiments or A/B testing) in a research or industry setting.   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with building and validating metrics that reflect customer experience, product performance, or business impact. 
• Ability to translate complex data insights into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams. 
• Experience mentoring or supporting others in experimentation practices, whether through documentation, workshops, or coaching. 
• Comfortable working in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments, especially with product managers, engineers, and user researchers. 

Data Science IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until September 22nd, 2025.

#XBOXXPI

• Work with product managers, engineering, user researchers and other data scientists to formulate data-driven and scientifically rigorous answers to business problems and customer needs.  

• Integrate A/B testing and feature rollout capabilities into new products and services 

• Build high-quality, actionable, trustworthy metrics to measure customer experience and business impact 

• Advise on experimental design, target audience filters, optimal holdout groups, and statistical power. 

• Drive deep-dive analysis, post-hoc investigations, and interpretation of results. 
• Grow a culture of experimentation through education, training, documentation, and one-on-one coaching 
• Embody our Culture  &  Values