Associate Director Research

Business OverviewRakuten is one of the largest internet services company globally and provides more than 70 services spanning eCommerce, finance, telecommunication, sports and much more to approx. 1.4 billion customers worldwide. Following the strategic vision "Rakuten as a data-driven membership company", we are expanding our data activities across our multiple Rakuten group companies.With hundreds of millions of members and trillions (yen) in spending from members Rakuten's Membership enjoys un-paralleled eco-system of benefits and amongst the largest in the world. Our talented and driven team operates a portfolio of data and data science products and services that enable personalization and enablement of sciences at Rakuten.Rakuten Institute of Technology (RIT) was launched in 2005 as the dedicated R&D organization for the Rakuten Group. RIT's Customer Program builds deep customer understanding at all the steps in the Customer Journey with Rakuten to deliver scalable, repeatable data science solutions for Marketing and Customer Nurturing products.ResponsibilitiesManage and execute entire projects from start to finish, including cross-functional project management, data collection and manipulation, analysis and modelling, and the communication of insights and recommendations.Build scalable and complex ML models to improve marketing, recommendations, detect fraud, with the goal of delivering an excellent customer experience while balancing operating cost and asset efficiency.Develop strong relationships with Rakuten functional areas to identify best practices, solicit input/data, coordinate interdisciplinary initiatives, and gather support for recommendations.Areas of opportunity and influence execution of results via cross-functional participation to enable quick wins and continuous improvement.QualificationsPhD in quantitative field (Computer Science, Mathematics, Machine Learning, AI, Statistics, or equivalent)12+ years of industry experience in predictive modelling, recommender systems and data analysis. With a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.Solid understanding of foundational statistics concepts and ML algorithms: linear/logistic regression, random forest, boosting, GBM, NNs, etcPrevious experience, preferably in product company, in a ML or data scientist role and a track record of building ML and DL modelsExperience using Python and ML libraries, such as scikit-learn, pandas, numpy, scipyExperience handling terabyte size structured and unstructured datasets using distributed frameworks such as Spark, HiveFamiliarity with using data visualization toolsExperience working with GPUs to develop deep learning modelsAbility to develop experimental and analytic plans for data modelling processes, use of strong baselines, ability to accurately determine cause and effect relationsDemonstrable track record of dealing well with ambiguity, prioritizing needs, and delivering results in a dynamic environmentAlong with product managers, own the business outcomes/metrics which the data science model/algorithm drivesStrong written and verbal communication skillsBonus Points for Experience with A/B testing PRB