Data Science Director, Samba TV
Measurement
$200-250k
SQL
Python
Senior and Expert level
San Francisco Bay Area
Data & measurement for smarts TVs
Job no longer available
Data & measurement for smarts TVs
201-500 employees
B2BArtificial IntelligenceAnalyticsMachine LearningSaaSAdvertisingData AnalysisMedia
Job no longer available
$200-250k
SQL
Python
Senior and Expert level
San Francisco Bay Area
201-500 employees
B2BArtificial IntelligenceAnalyticsMachine LearningSaaSAdvertisingData AnalysisMedia
Company mission
To create data at the heart of TV, powering a more scientific approach to advertising and a better viewing experience for everyone.
Role
Who you are
- 8+ years of hands-on data science experience with at least 2-3 years in a people management role, including demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and retain senior data scientists
- Deep, first-principles expertise in Causal ML - counterfactual modeling, meta-learners, and heterogeneous treatment effect estimation - applied to advertising measurement or media outcomes; familiarity with EconML, DoWhy, or CausalML a plus
- Solid command of the broader measurement science toolkit: A/B testing, difference-in-differences, synthetic control, propensity scoring, Bayesian hierarchical models, and panel methodology - with clear intuition for when to apply each approach and what its limitations are
- Strong statistical and ML foundations - regression, classification, experimental design, model evaluation, and the ability to reason clearly about trade-offs between modeling approaches
- Expert-level Python and SQL; strong PySpark and Databricks experience for large-scale measurement pipelines
- Track record of owning and delivering complex, multi-workstream data science projects on time in a fast-moving environment
- Excellent communicator - able to translate causal and statistical reasoning into language that drives product, sales, and executive decisions
- Bachelor's degree required in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field; Master's or PhD strongly preferred
- Direct experience with TV or digital measurement - ACR/STB data, viewership panels, reach/frequency modeling, or cross-platform measurement (linear + CTV/OTT)
- Hands-on experience with multi-touch attribution (MTA) or multi-channel attribution modeling - understanding of rule-based limitations and the methodological trade-offs of data-driven alternatives
- Familiarity with the measurement vendor landscape (Nielsen, Comscore, VideoAmp, iSpot) and industry standards (MRC accreditation, GRP/TRP frameworks)
- Experience with audience segmentation, identity resolution, or privacy-preserving measurement approaches
- Track record of publishing research, white papers, or presenting at industry conferences
What the job involves
- Reporting to our VP of Data Science, Samba is looking for a Director of Data Science to lead our Measurement science team - the group responsible for building the statistical frameworks, causal models, and attribution methodologies that power Samba's core measurement products
- You will own the science and delivery for a portfolio spanning incrementality measurement, multi-touch attribution, reach and frequency modeling, and audience intelligence, working closely with Product to shape direction and with Engineering to bring solutions to production
- You are a senior technical leader first
- You bring deep, hands-on expertise in causal ML, statistical modeling, and measurement science - enough to drive architectural decisions, mentor senior data scientists, and engage credibly in design reviews
- You also know how to build and run a high-performing team, communicate clearly to executive and external audiences, and keep complex multi-workstream delivery on track
- Measurement Science Strategy: Partner with Product to define the measurement science roadmap - spanning incrementality, multi-touch attribution, reach/frequency estimation, panel calibration, and audience targeting. Translate business and client priorities into well-scoped quarterly plans and sprint commitments
- Technical Leadership: Lead design reviews and architecture decisions across the team. Drive the application of Causal ML - counterfactual modeling, meta-learners, and heterogeneous treatment effect estimation - as the primary framework for measuring ad effectiveness, alongside rigorous command of the broader toolkit: A/B testing, DiD, synthetic control, Bayesian hierarchical models, and panel methodology
- Delivery & Execution: Own end-to-end delivery across the team's measurement science portfolio - managing dependencies, removing blockers, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work across multiple concurrent workstreams
- Scientific Standards & Data Quality: In partnership with Engineering, set and maintain standards for experimental design, model evaluation, reproducibility, and production readiness. Co-own the data quality framework that ensures the robustness and consistency of measurement products used by clients and internal stakeholders
- Best Practices & MLOps: In partnership with Engineering, develop and implement best practices for the full DS lifecycle - data management, modeling, evaluation, pipeline orchestration, and production deployment on Databricks/Spark
- People & Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and grow a team of data scientists - owning hiring, performance reviews, career development, and individual goal-setting aligned to Samba's leveling framework. Build a high-accountability culture grounded in technical rigor, psychological safety, and continuous learning
- Cross-functional Partnership: Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Business Development to define and execute data-driven measurement projects. Support Sales and Marketing with technical positioning and clear articulation of Samba's measurement capabilities
- Stakeholder Communication: Translate complex causal and statistical findings into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical audiences. Represent the team to senior leadership and external stakeholders, and contribute a credible technical voice to client conversations and industry forums
Our take
Samba TV is improving the TV viewing experience by employing analytics to better personalize adverts and recommendations. With a scientific and algorithmic approach to how smart TVs work, the company enables TV businesses to better capture and serve consumers - an offering which has attracted the likes of Disney.
In recent years, Samba TV has focused on making artificial intelligence and machine learning central to its offerings, in part through the acquisition of Disruptel. This has enabled heightened content recognition and non-intrusive ad unit development, both of which enable it to deliver more value.
Moving forwards, Samba continues to partner and integrate with a wide range of companies to expand its product offering and market reach. And is 2022 expansion into Australia has put the company on the path to becoming a global force to be reckoned with.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
-7% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 5 rounds)
Apr 2018
$7.5m
EARLY VC
Jun 2017
$30m
SERIES B
Total funding: $45.7m
Company benefits
- Health Coverage: We have several choices of medical, dental, and vision plans with a range of coverage levels and costs, including a 100% employer-covered plan.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Our wellness programs are designed to help you maintain or move toward a healthy lifestyle through mindful meditations, gym access, and other assistance when you need it!
- Company Equity Plan: We believe in shared success. We want our employees to not just work for us, but to truly be part of our growth story.
- Volunteer Days: We're committed to making a positive impact, both in and outside the workplace!
- Flexible Time Off: We encourage a healthy work-life balance which empowers our teams to recharge when needed and thrive both personally and professionally.
- Team & Company Events: We love to hang out together! We provide many opportunities to get to know each other whether virtually or in person.
Company HQ
China Basin, San Francisco, CA
Leadership
Ashwin Navin
(Co-Founder & CEO)Previously co-founded i/o ventures and BitTorrent, serving there as President. Experience as an Analyst for Epoch Partners, Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs.
Salary benchmarks
We don't have enough data yet to provide salary benchmarks for this role.
Submit your salary to help other candidates with crowdsourced salary estimates.
Share this job
View 38 more jobs at Samba TV