Applied Scientist, Prime Video Science

The Prime Video Science team leverages the latest in machine learning and AI techniques combined with causal inference to bring scientific rigor to the biggest decisions in entertainment: what content to make, what to license, and where to invest. We build large-scale models that simulate how our global customer base responds to change, and we get to see that work shape what the business does. Prime Video is an industry-leading entertainment business and a critical driver of Amazon Prime subscriptions, contributing to customer loyalty and lifetime value. Our models learn from customer behavior to answer questions the business can't test directly and use those answers to guide where Prime Video invests in content and product. We're looking for an Applied Scientist to help build the next generation of these models.

As an Applied Scientist on this team, you will build machine learning and deep learning models on large-scale global data to simulate customer behavior across the business. Ideally you bring experience with reinforcement learning, causal inference, and/or the design of agentic AI systems. You will partner closely with business, finance, engineering, and science stakeholders to take ideas from concept and prototype through to production. The candidate should have strong communication skills and the ability to translate data-driven findings into actionable insights. The successful candidate will be a self-starter comfortable with ambiguity, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

Key job responsibilities
• Build models that simulate customer behavior to answer counterfactual "what-if" questions that guide major content and product investment decisions.
• Apply deep learning, reinforcement learning, causal inference, and experimental design to large-scale customer data to model how customers respond to change.
• Design and prototype agentic AI systems and other novel ML approaches and research new methods to improve the accuracy and scale of our models.
• Validate and calibrate models against real-world randomized experiments, and partner with software engineers to deliver scalable, production-ready systems.
• Translate model outputs into clear recommendations and communicate results to business, finance, and science stakeholders through both technical papers and business-facing documents.

About the team
The Prime Video Science team is a multidisciplinary group of applied scientists, data scientists, economists, and engineers. We take on some of the hardest research questions in the business, and our work carries visibility up to the CFO/CEO level. We pursue ambitious research at the intersection of machine learning, AI, and causal inference, turning that research into innovations that improve customer experience and strengthen business profitability. Few science teams get to work on problems this hard and this impactful; if that combination excites you, we'd love to talk.

Basic Qualifications

- 3+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience
- PhD, or Master's degree and 4+ years of CS, CE, ML or related field experience
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in state-of-the-art deep learning models architecture design and deep learning training and optimization and model pruning
- Experience in investigating, designing, prototyping, and delivering new and innovative system solutions
- Experience in professional software development
- Experience with reinforcement learning, agentic AI system design and/or causal inference

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, CA, Culver City - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
USA, WA, SEATTLE - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually