Khan Academy is looking for talented data scientists to create a free virtual classroom for the world. Our small team is changing the face of education – join us on our mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
We’re fun, quirky people at heart that come from a variety of backgrounds. Our team includes industry leaders from Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Pixar, Fog Creek, and tiny startups, as well as people with non-traditional backgrounds who didn’t graduate from college. Together, we’re a small but elite team, deeply invested in your future. We believe that no organization will be as invested in developing you as a professional.
The Data Science team works alongside developers, product managers and designers, applying analytical tools and statistical methods to our amazing dataset to improve the learning experience for our users.Data scientists are responsible for querying, cleaning and presenting data as well as running experiments and answering open questions with detailed analysis or investigation of the data. We enjoy the challenge of tackling tricky questions and effectively communicating (sometimes ambiguous) results with the team. Some example inquiries:
How long does it take a typical user to complete a practice task on the learning dashboard? What factors correlate with higher rates of task completion?
Which videos/exercises on the site are correlated with increased engagement/learning and why?
Are there specific interventions (e.g. ‘Growth Mindset’ messages or moral support) that can increase achievement on the site?
Can we infer a user’s intended goal on the site within their first few clicks, and subsequently measure how well we met that goal?
WE USE
Python, R, Amazon AWS, App Engine/BigQuery, JavaScript, and anything else that best solves the problem at hand
We’re not religious about using a specific technology. We’re religious about providing an incredible experience for Khan Academy learners
Cutting edge research from the psychology, education, and cognitive science to to guide our experiments and form our hypotheses
YOU NEED
To be completely comfortable with both the statistical analysis of large data sets and any scripting languages or statistical packages that may require
Basic knowledge of algorithms in any programming language. Python is preferred but not required
Passion for whatever techniques and technology you’ve used in the past
Solid command of basic statistics and a strong quantitative aptitude. Machine learning and advanced stats not required, but it sure doesn’t hurt
Pragmatism and demonstrated skill at turning data into action
A passion for data and desire to change the world
US, Canadian, Australian, or Mexican citizenship, US Residency, or other authorization to work in the US
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS
We may be a non-profit, but we reward our talented team well!
Highly competitive salaries and annual bonuses
Ample paid time off as needed – we are about getting things done, not face time
Delicious catered lunch daily plus tons of snacks and beverages
The opportunity to work on high-impact software and programs that are already defining the future of education
Great location: walking distance to Caltrain and downtown Mountain View
Awesome team events and weekly board game nights
The ability to improve real lives
A fun, high-caliber team that trusts you and gives you the freedom to be brilliant – we treat new hires more like co-founders
Oh, and we offer all those other typical benefits as well: 401(k) + 4% matching & comprehensive insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life
HOW TO APPLY
Along with your resume, please include:
1) Links to any projects (wereallylike these). We especially like living, breathing projects; please do not send your code
2) A cover letter that includes why you want to join Khan Academy
LEARN MORE
KA Data Science blog:data.khanacademy.org/
Sal’s TED talk:www.ted.com/talks/salmankhanletsusevideotoreinventeducation.html
You Can Learn Anything:https://www.khanacademy.org
Sal’s Interview with BBC:https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04hytg6
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.
