Data Scientist

About The Company

Airbnb was founded in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home. Since then, the company has experienced exponential growth and now boasts over 5 million hosts worldwide who have welcomed more than 2 billion guest arrivals across nearly every country. Airbnb's platform offers unique stays and experiences that enable guests to connect authentically with local communities, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural exchange. The company's mission revolves around creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere, providing travelers with diverse options and hosts with opportunities to share their spaces and passions.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Data Scientist to join our Listing Understanding Data Science team. In this role, you will leverage advanced machine learning techniques, particularly in Computer Vision (CV) and multimodal data analysis, to enhance the understanding of listing attributes through photos and related data. Your primary focus will be to develop and deploy models that improve the quality of listings, enrich guest experiences, and drive business impact. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and designers, to translate data insights into actionable product features. Your work will directly influence how listings are presented and understood on our platform, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and alignment with user needs and business goals. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead technological innovation in a fast-paced environment, making a meaningful difference in the way people connect and experience the world through Airbnb.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of industry experience in applied Machine Learning, with a focus on Computer Vision
• Experience with CV models such as CLIP and ViT
• Expertise in causal inference, preferably with marketplace experience
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Econometrics, or a related field
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis
• Familiarity with SQL and developing proof-of-concept prototypes
• Deep understanding of Machine Learning best practices, including training/serving skew minimization, feature engineering, and model selection
• Knowledge of algorithms such as gradient-boosted trees, neural networks, and deep learning techniques
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, and design teams
• Proven ability to work both independently and within collaborative environments
• Demonstrated engagement with the technical community and continuous learning mindset
  
  

Responsibilities

• Size business opportunities and develop strategic roadmaps for investments in CV and multimodal listing understanding
• Leverage photos and associated structured and unstructured data to build and enhance listing understanding models
• Build and refine causal models to analyze the impact of photos on guest search behavior, bookings, and trip quality
• Prototype, evaluate, and iterate machine learning product features in collaboration with engineering, product, and design teams
• Develop assessment frameworks to ensure CV and multimodal models are safe, effective, and aligned with user needs
• Measure the business value of technological improvements through experimentation and causal analysis
• Stay current with state-of-the-art models and incorporate emerging techniques into product development
• Communicate insights and technical findings clearly to stakeholders across teams
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible work arrangements including remote work options
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• Employee travel credits and discounts
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture that fosters innovation
  
  

Equal Opportunity

Airbnb is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and join us in building a community that values belonging and innovation.