ML Data Scientist Manager - Ads Portfolio R&D

At Apple, we focus deeply on our customers' experience. Apple Ads brings this same approach to advertising, helping people find exactly what they're looking for and helping advertisers grow their businesses! Our technology powers ads and sponsorships across Apple Services, including the App Store, Apple News, and MLS Season Pass. Everything we do is designed for trust, connection, and impact: We respect user privacy, integrate advertising thoughtfully into the experience, and deliver value for advertisers of all sizes-from small app developers to big, global brands. Because when advertising is done right, it benefits everyone!

Description

Within Advertising Platforms, we are forming a new Data Science Research team. This team will be dedicated to pioneering novel, data-driven strategies for managing and optimizing advertiser investments across the Apple Ads portfolio. By applying sophisticated quantitative techniques, this team will conduct foundational research to help our most strategic clients approach their advertising spend with the rigor of a financial portfolio. This role will build, lead, and mentor this new team of data scientists. As the Manager for the Ads Portfolio Research team, you will build and lead a specialized group of data scientists. Your team's mission is to apply principles from quantitative finance and economics to the Apple Ads ecosystem. You will guide their research into developing sophisticated models and frameworks that help our largest advertisers manage their ad spend as a strategic investment portfolio. This is an opportunity for an emerging leader to shape a new function from the ground up, combining deep analytical work with strategic business impact. Minimal travel required. This role is ideal for a data science leader who is passionate about building teams and exploring the intersection of advertising technology and financial theory.

• Lead, Mentor, and Grow: Build and manage a team of early-to-mid-career data scientists, fostering a culture of rigorous research, innovation, and intellectual curiosity.
• Define the Research Vision: Define the team's research agenda and strategic vision, identifying key questions around ad campaign diversification, budget allocation, risk/return trade-offs, and performance forecasting.
• Guide Quantitative Research: Guide the team in leveraging advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to model the complex dynamics of the ad marketplace and advertiser performance.
• Translate Research into Strategy: Develop frameworks for communicating the value of a portfolio-based approach to advertising, translating concepts like 'alpha' and 'diversification' into the language of marketing objectives.
• Partner with Sales, Product and Marketing: Collaborate closely with Sales, Product, and other Data Insights teams to translate research findings into practical strategies and potential product features.
• Engage with Key Clients: Selectively engage with key clients (approximately 10% of your time) alongside our Sales partners to share high-level research findings, validate models, and establish Apple as a thought leader in sophisticated advertising strategy.
• Champion Privacy: Work with Privacy and Legal teams to ensure all research and data usage adheres to Apple's strict commitment to user privacy.
• Measure Impact: Develop methods to track the influence and adoption of the team's research on advertiser behavior and performance.

• 3+ years of experience in data science, quantitative analysis, or a related field.
• 1+ years of experience in a formal management or team lead capacity, with a passion for mentoring and developing data scientists.
• A strong background in quantitative finance, algorithmic trading, portfolio management, or econometrics is a significant advantage.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, time-series analysis, and optimization techniques. Familiarity with concepts like portfolio theory, risk modeling, and causal inference.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to distill complex quantitative research into clear, actionable strategies for a variety of audiences.
• Experience presenting complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Direct client-facing experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with the digital advertising landscape, particularly search and mobile app marketing, is highly preferred.
• A strong passion for applied research and analytics, with the ability to work closely with business teams, understand strategic requirements, and manage a complex research agenda.
• Bachelor's in a Data Science related field

• 6+ years of experience in data science, quantitative analysis, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a formal management or team lead capacity, with a passion for mentoring and developing data scientists.
• Master's or PhD in a Data Science related field