Founding Data Scientist
At a glance
Mid-level Data Science role at Nectar. Palo Alto · full-time · $200,000–$250,000 base.
dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build the EMV measure, attribution models and commerce integrations that become part of the product
- Work with engineering to make data easier to organize and retrieve for reporting
- Create forecasting methods and analytical models using Nectar’s proprietary datasets
- Set standards for Nectar metrics that brands can use to guide go-to-market decisions
- Turn models into production code with product and software engineering, and contribute to public-facing Data Desk work
What you bring
- Four to seven years working in data science
- A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics or computer science
- Advanced Python, expert SQL and a record of writing clean, production-ready code independently
- Strong writing that makes complex analysis clear to non-technical and public audiences
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits a data scientist ready to take ownership of core metrics, models and product analytics as the first dedicated hire in the function. The job is based in Palo Alto and follows a hybrid schedule: four office days, with three remote flex days per quarter after the first three months.
From the employer
About Us
We're living through a fundamental shift in how people discover, evaluate, and purchase products. The next generation doesn't respond to traditional marketing -- they build relationships with brands through authentic social interactions, seek recommendations from communities they trust, and expect personalized experiences that feel human, not corporate.
At Nectar, we're building the AI-native social operating system that enables this new era of commerce. We believe every social interaction should deepen the relationship between brands and their communities while creating genuine value for both sides.
Founded by ex-Meta product and engineering leaders, we've raised over $30M in total capital from investors including GV and True Ventures. We work with brands like Oura Health, Caraway, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Kosas, OLIPOP, and many more. We're building the future of social commerce -- where community, conversation, and commerce converge.
Role Overview
As our First Dedicated Data Science Hire, you will have massive scope, high ownership, and direct influence on the future of social commerce. You will work directly with our engineering and product teams to translate vast, unstructured datasets, including full-spectrum Reddit networks, Meta creator ecosystems, and campaign data, into core product features and proprietary industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
Product-Driven Data Science: Own core analytics features, including building our next-generation Earned Media Value (EMV) metric, multi-touch attribution modeling, and deep commerce platform integrations.
Data foundations: Partner with Engineering to improve how our data is structured and retrieved, improving the efficiency and value of our reporting.
Exploratory Analytics & R&D: Develop trend-forecasting algorithms and out-of-the-box analytical models on proprietary dataset architectures.
Metric Creation: If you have ever wanted to own the metric rather than report on it, this role was designed for you. Define and standardize proprietary Nectar metrics that shape how consumer brands go to market.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product and Software Engineering to translate models into production code without relying on engineering teams to rewrite logic.
Data Desk Support: Contribute technical leadership to our high-visibility Data Desk initiative, powering public reports cited by the likes of the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes and contributing to data-driven customer acquisition.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: 4–7 years of data science experience
Education: Bachelor’s in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
Technical Skills: Advanced Python proficiency and expert SQL capabilities. Proven software engineering fundamentals with a track record of writing clean, production-ready code.
Domain Adaptability: High comfort with ambiguity, fast-paced execution, and a rapid learning curve in new domain spaces.
Written Communication: Exceptional writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to turn complex data and analysis into clear, compelling narratives for non-technical and public-facing audiences.
Technical Rigor: Strong foundation in Python and SQL, with the capability to write clean, maintainable code independently.
Technical Writing: Demonstrated ability to turn data analysis into clear, compelling writing for non-technical readers, such as reports, blog posts, or research summaries.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in social media ecosystems, influencer platforms, or creator economy tools (e.g., CreatorIQ, Meta).
Background working with massive, unstructured text, media, or social network data.
Experience in technical writing for external artifacts (blog posts, reports)
What We Offer
Competitive compensation and early equity
Health, vision, and dental benefits + 401(k) match
ClassPass membership for fitness and wellness classes
$50/month mobile stipend for all employees, and $50/month internet stipend for remote employees
For our Palo Alto Office
Hybrid schedule: 4 days in office, plus 3 remote flex days per quarter (after your first 3 months)
Free lunch in the heart of University Ave. in Palo Alto
$1,000/month housing stipend for living near the office
Fully paid for commuter benefits (train stipend or Palo Alto parking reimbursement)
Data Science work from LinkedIn, X, Reddit and Upwork, in one list.
Each morning you get everything that fits, strongest first.
Data Science$200k+
Find me workBy the team behind dataroles.