Applications Dev & Test – Data Scientist 3

Job#: 3017352

Job Description:

Data Scientist 3 (Quantitative Research)

Team: Employee Experience & Internal Tools

Location: Remote (US)

Overview

Microsoft’s Employee Experience & Internal Tools team acts as “customer zero” -the first users of Microsoft’s internal products and platforms. Our mission is to test, validate, and improve the tools that millions of Microsoft employees rely on every day, with a special focus on campus navigation, facilities experiences, and productivity workflows .

We are seeking a Data Scientist 3 (Quantitative Research) who will design and execute rigorous quantitative studies that shape product direction, improve employee experience, and influence some of Microsoft’s most widely used offerings-including Copilot, Teams, Outlook, and other high-impact internal tools .

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of behavioral science, quantitative psychology, and applied statistics , and who enjoys turning ambiguous questions into clear, actionable insights.

Key Responsibilities

Quantitative Research & Analysis

• Design, execute, and analyze large-scale surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
• Apply inferential statistical methods (regression, hypothesis testing, multivariate analysis) to answer complex research questions.
• Develop sampling strategies, weighting schemes, and data quality checks to ensure statistical rigor.
• Clean, prepare, and analyze behavioral and survey datasets using Python, R, or SQL.

Insight Generation & Communication

• Translate quantitative findings into clear, actionable recommendations for product, design, and strategy teams.
• Create charts, summaries, and narratives that communicate results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Document methodologies, assumptions, and limitations to support reproducibility and transparency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with researchers, designers, and product managers to refine research questions and measurement approaches.
• Review findings with stakeholders, incorporate feedback, and iterate on analyses.
• Support ongoing research programs with standardized metrics, dashboards, and analytical frameworks.

A Typical Day in This Role

A Data Scientist 3 in this team starts the day reviewing active research questions or upcoming studies-refining survey instruments, discussing sampling plans, or aligning on success metrics.

You’ll spend much of your time working hands-on with data:

• cleaning and preparing datasets
• checking assumptions
• applying inferential statistical methods
• interpreting results and identifying sources of bias

Throughout the day, you’ll collaborate with senior researchers, designers, and product partners to ensure insights are rigorous, relevant, and actionable. You’ll balance independent analytical work with regular touchpoints to help teams understand what the data supports-and what it doesn’t.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in statistics, psychology, economics, data science, sociology, or a related quantitative field (PhD preferred).
• 5 years of experience in quantitative analysis or applied research (UX, product, or behavioral research experience preferred).
• Strong foundation in statistical inference and experimental or quasi-experimental methods.
• Experience with survey research, including questionnaire design, sampling, and weighting.
• Proficiency in Python or R for statistical analysis; SQL experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to explain complex analyses clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively in cross-functional teams.

Nice to Have

• Background in quantitative psychology or behavioral science research.
• Experience with A/B testing, causal inference, or UX/product research.
• Experience translating quantitative findings into design or product decisions.

Disqualifiers

• Lack of experience with Python , SQL , or quantitative research methods.

? Unique Selling Points

• Work on high-impact Microsoft products -including Copilot, Teams, Outlook, and internal tools used by hundreds of thousands of employees.
• Influence product decisions that ultimately shape experiences for billions of users worldwide.
• Join a team that serves as Microsoft’s internal innovation testbed, where your insights directly improve employee productivity and satisfaction.
• Highly collaborative environment with opportunities to partner across research, design, engineering, and product.

Performance Measurement

Quality & Rigor of Analysis

• Produces accurate, well-structured analyses using appropriate statistical methods.
• Demonstrates strong judgment in study design, sampling, and inferential techniques.
• Ensures data quality, reproducibility, and transparency.

Research & Insight Delivery

• Delivers insights that directly address research questions.
• Communicates findings clearly and effectively.
• Meets timelines and milestones for research deliverables.

Collaboration & Partnership

• Works productively with cross-functional partners.
• Iterates based on feedback and contributes constructively to discussions.
• Demonstrates reliability and responsiveness.

Independence & Professional Effectiveness

• Operates with appropriate autonomy for a senior individual contributor.
• Prioritizes effectively across multiple analyses or studies.
• Proactively identifies risks, gaps, or opportunities.

Top 3 Must-Have Hard Skills (5 years each)

• Strong foundation in inferential statistics and applied quantitative methods.
• Experience designing and analyzing surveys or large-scale quantitative studies.
• Proficiency in statistical programming (Python or R).

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview:Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6 months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide.