Senior Staff Data Scientist - Growth & Financial Models

Duolingo is the world's most popular learning app, on a mission to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. We rely on data-driven experimentation and rigorous quantitative modeling to educate over half a billion learners globally.

As a Staff Data Scientist on the Growth Data Science team, you will focus on User Growth forecasting across Duolingo’s expanding portfolio of educational products. Partnering directly with senior leaders across Product, Finance, and Corporate Strategy, you will build trustworthy, investor-grade quarterly forecasts that capture the dynamics of user acquisition, retention, and monetization. You will advance our statistical forecasting methodologies, construct robust automated pipelines, and translate complex analytical findings into actionable strategic narratives for executive decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• User Growth Forecasting Leadership: Lead the development, validation, and execution of trustworthy quarterly user growth models that reflect product releases, marketing initiatives, and long-term business strategy.
• Methodological Innovation: Research, test, and implement advanced statistical methodologies and time-series models to improve forecast accuracy and handle messy real-world data confounds.
• Executive Communication & Strategy: Distill complex quantitative models and scenario analyses into clear, executive-ready narratives that influence corporate decision-making and resource allocation.
• Data Engineering & Infrastructure: Build, automate, and maintain robust, repeatable forecasting pipelines within Duolingo's modern data analytics stack (SQL, Python, dbt, Snowflake).
• Cross-Functional Alignment & Mentorship: Partner closely with Product Management, Finance, and Strategy teams to translate strategic initiatives into model inputs while mentoring junior data scientists on best analytical practices.

Requirements

Applied Forecasting & Quantitative Analytics Depth

• Industry Forecasting Track Record: Demonstrated experience building statistical and economic forecasts in complex, messy real-world environments where assumptions, details, and confounds are critical.
• Advanced Quantitative Degree: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or equivalent demonstrated expertise in formal statistical techniques.
• Modern Data Stack Mastery: Expert command of SQL, Python (pandas, statsmodels, Prophet, PyTorch/scikit-learn), AI analysis tools, and modern data engineering ecosystems.
• Strategic Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to translate complex statistical analyses into crisp, actionable executive summaries.

Work Logistics

• Passion for Duolingo's mission to democratize education.
• Ability to work from or relocate to Duolingo's product hubs in Pittsburgh, PA, New York City, NY, or work remotely within the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a high-growth consumer technology company, specifically building user growth, retention, or engagement forecasting models.
• Public company experience navigating the rigorous analytical standards required for investor-grade financial and operational reporting.
• An impressive Duolingo streak!

Total Rewards & Benefits

• Compensation & Equity: Base salary of $182,800 – $247,300 USD supplemented by competitive equity grants.
• Holistic Well-Being: Choice of top-tier health plans with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Culture & Perks: Catered in-house breakfast and lunch, language learning perks, bi-annual company hackathons, and active employee social clubs.
• Growth & Flexibility: Dedicated learning stipends, generous paid time off, and flexible remote work options.