Simplify Logo

Full-Time

Senior Data Scientist

Posted on 10/1/2024

Zynga

Zynga

1,001-5,000 employees

Develops social games for mobile platforms

Social Impact
Gaming

Compensation Overview

$82.6k - $145.6kAnnually

+ Bonus + Equity Awards

Senior, Expert

Remote in USA

Category
Data Science
Data & Analytics
Required Skills
Python
Data Structures & Algorithms
AWS
Requirements
  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Computer Science with specialization in AI, or equivalent experience
  • Experience building AI systems for games, procedural content generation, or computational creativity
  • Understanding of principles of AI, including ML
  • Familiarity with principles of game design and implementation
  • Familiarity with Python, and at least one of Typescript, C++, or Unity C#
  • Familiarity with containers and cloud infrastructure principles - AWS preferred
  • Desire to learn and share knowledge with peers, collaborate in a cross-functional team
Responsibilities
  • Write well-crafted, efficient and testable code and algorithms
  • Design and build AI systems that solve computational creativity challenges
  • Implement and deploy solutions as part of a larger microservice architecture
  • Plan and implement tasks of small to medium scale independently
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working in a collaborative inter-discipline environment

Zynga develops social games primarily for mobile and web platforms, with popular titles like FarmVille and Words With Friends. Their games are designed to be engaging and easy to play, often featuring social elements that allow players to connect with friends. This focus on social interaction helps keep players engaged and encourages them to return to the games. Zynga targets casual gamers who prefer quick and accessible entertainment on their smartphones and tablets. The company uses a freemium model, offering free downloads with optional in-game purchases for enhancements and revenue from advertising. Zynga also partners with organizations like Amazon Prime and educational initiatives to expand its reach and support social causes. The goal of Zynga is to create enjoyable gaming experiences that foster community and connection among players.

Company Stage

M&A

Total Funding

$2B

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2007

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

13%

2 year growth

21%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Zynga's collaboration with high-profile brands like Lamborghini and BBC Earth can lead to exclusive content and increased user engagement.
  • The release of new games like Star Wars: Hunters and branded tournaments with LIV Golf demonstrate Zynga's ongoing innovation and ability to capture diverse gaming audiences.
  • Zynga's strategic partnerships with educational and social initiatives like Girls Who Code enhance its corporate social responsibility profile, making it an attractive employer.

What critics are saying

  • The highly competitive mobile gaming market requires constant innovation to maintain user interest and market share.
  • Dependence on the freemium model means revenue is heavily reliant on in-game purchases, which can be unpredictable.

What makes Zynga unique

  • Zynga's focus on social elements within its games enhances user engagement and retention, setting it apart from competitors who may not prioritize social interaction.
  • The freemium model allows Zynga to attract a large user base by offering free-to-play games with optional in-game purchases, providing a flexible revenue stream.
  • Strategic partnerships with high-profile brands like Lamborghini and BBC Earth expand Zynga's reach and offer unique content, differentiating it from other mobile game developers.

Benefits

Compensation - Competitive salary, performance bonuses, opportunities for equity participation, retirement/pension savings support programs

Health - Medical, Dental, Vision covered for employees with participation for employees eligible dependents as well as Disability and life insurance program

Family - Generous parental leave for birth parents, partners and adoptive families. Infertility support, emergency child care and flexible time-off policies

Wellness - Gym benefits, wellness programs, employee assistance programs and generous time-off policies

Food - Food and snacks made in-house or delivered, healthy snack kitchens with drinks and treats, coffee bars, regular social gatherings and happy hours

Work & Life - Flexible time-off policies (DTO), office rest areas, gaming spaces, employee discounts and more

Transit Benefits - Shuttle service in select locations, commuter/parking benefits, secure bicycle storage, business travel assistance

Resource Groups - Women at Zynga (WAZ), zCares charitable giving, zParents, zEndurance adventure club, BZU, zPride LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging

INACTIVE