Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and impactful Head of Data Science leader to guide a pivotal pillar within Tik Tok USDS Trust and Safety organization. This strategic role involves leading and mentoring a large, diverse team of 30+ data professionals. You will be instrumental in defining and driving the data strategy for the US market-servicing critical functions like Operations, Policy, Product, and Risk and Response-while ensuring seamless collaboration with Global Tik Tok Trust and Safety Strategies to safeguard our platform and users.

Head of Data Science may be exposed to harmful content as part of their core day-to-day functions, as well as in project work; in response to escalation requests; or by chance.

Some content viewed my violate our community guidelines which include but are not limited to bullying; hate speech; child abuse; sexual assault; torture; bestiality; self-harm; suicide; and murder.

In order to enhance collaboration and cross-functional partnerships, among other things, at this time, our organization follows a hybrid work schedule that requires employees to work in the office 3 days a week, or as directed by their manager/department. We regularly review our hybrid work model, and the specific requirements may change at any time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a large, high-performing data science team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Define the strategic roadmap for data science initiatives within US Trust & Safety, aligning with global objectives and business priorities.
• Drive advanced analytics, experimentation (A/B testing), and root cause analysis to identify key insights and influence product and operational decisions.
• Lead the end-to-end development, implementation, and optimization of machine learning models for detecting and mitigating deceptive behaviors, fraud, and other safety risks.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, Policy, Operations, and Risk & Response to translate business problems into data science solutions.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and the development of robust data pipelines and infrastructure to support analytical and modeling needs.
• Provide leadership in leveraging data to proactively address emerging threats and continuously enhance platform safety and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Progressive experience in Data Science or Machine Learning roles, with strong business acumen.
• Experience in people management, including managing managers and leading large teams (30+ individuals).
• Expert proficiency in SQL/Hive/Spark and programming languages like Python or R, with extensive experience in big data manipulation and analysis.
• Deep expertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and experimental design (A/B testing).

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in Trust & Safety, fraud detection, security, or threat analysis within a large-scale internet or social media environment.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead complex data initiatives from conception to impact.
• Your ability to work in a high tempo environment, adapt, respond to day-to-day challenges of the role.
• Your resilience and commitment to self-care to manage the emotional demands of the role.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $239,200 - $483,200 annually.

Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

Los Angeles County (Unincorporated) - Fair Chance Ordinance

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.