Senior Applied Scientist

About the role

The Policy Economics team conducts external research that forms the foundation for Uber’s policy positions and helps policymakers, thought leaders, and the general public gain a better understanding of our platform. We also conduct internal research that supports strategic decisions, helping leadership to weigh complex trade-offs across competitive, legal, operational, and product considerations. 

Serving as a bridge between policy experts and technical teams, we help the policy team deliver principled advice to product teams and arming policy leads with an understanding of the economics of Uber’s marketplace. Our work spans the full spectrum — from internal analytical deep dives, to rapid-response analyses on high-profile policy issues, to multi-year research collaborations with external partners that build public understanding of the platform economy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous, careful statistical and econometric analysis in service of our policy priorities, particularly on topics relating to drivers and couriers, marketplace dynamics, and core technology such as matching and pricing.
• Partner with in-country policy teams to develop research that speaks to their local contexts.
• Develop deep cross-functional relationships with product, legal, and operations to ensure alignment between policy and business strategy.
• Manage relationships with our external research partners to ensure research collaborations run smoothly.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Economics or another quantitative field. Candidates with a relevant PhD and/or extensive experience will be evaluated (and compensated) commensurate with their education and experience.
• 5+ years of professional industry experience as an Applied Scientist, Data Scientist, Economist, or equivalent (or 3+ years with a Ph.D.)
• Strong data skills and experience with tools such as SQL, Python, and R to work efficiently at scale.
• Ability to work independently and execute a research plan with minimal oversight.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to synthesize research results into clear, actionable insights accessible to broad audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Economics.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with ability to collaborate cross-functionally and translate technical findings for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to proactively identify research questions relevant to business or policy.
• Project management skills and experience working in a cross-functional environment with legal, policy, and business leaders.
• Passion for Uber’s mission and for helping shape fair, transparent narratives about drivers, couriers, customers, and marketplace dynamics.

For San Francisco, CA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD $190,000 per year - USD $211,000 per year.

You will be eligible to participate in Uber's bonus program, and may be offered an equity award & other types of comp. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. You will also be eligible for various benefits.