A home is the biggest investment most people make, and yet, it doesn’t come with a manual. That’s why we’re building the only app homeowners need to effortlessly manage their homes — knowing what to do, when to do it, and who to hire. With Thumbtack, millions of people care for what matters most, and pros earn billions of dollars through our platform. And as one of the fastest-growing companies in a $600B+ industry — we must be doing something right.
We are driven by a common goal and the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing our work supports local economies, helps small businesses grow, and brings homeowners peace of mind. We’re seeking people who continually put our purpose first: advocating for pros and customers, embracing change, and choosing teamwork every day.
At Thumbtack, we’re creating a new era of home care. If making an impact and the chance to do good inspires you, join us. Imagine what we’ll build together.
Thumbtack by the Numbers
Available nationwide in every U.S. county
80 million projects started on Thumbtack
10 million 5-star reviews and counting
Pros earn billions on our platform
1000+ employees
$3.2 billion valuation (June, 2021)
About the Applied Science Team
We’re looking for applied scientists with deep expertise in machine learning, optimization, building data products, and/or statistics. As part of a small product team you will have full ownership over your domain, so you should be a person who dreams big, then executes well.
At Thumbtack, the Applied Science team is responsible for a wide variety of problems spanning machine learning, statistics, and computer science:
Improve customer and service provider matching. Matching and optimization algorithms are fundamental to Thumbtack’s product: we now service millions of matches per week. Identifying better matches between customers and service providers has an incredible impact on the experience of customers and professionals transacting on our platform.
Model complex relationships in the presence of many confounding factors. Predictive modeling problems are everywhere across our product. Our team works to scope, design and implement machine learning models to support Thumbtack’s product and marketing.
Characterize marketplace dynamics. Thumbtack’s marketplaces consist of thousands of active markets across our service categories and U.S. cities. Via exploratory data analysis and experimental design, our team works to understand trends and behaviors within these markets.
Build a healthy marketplace. We evolve and manage the monetization mechanics of our marketplace, including defining the parameters that affect the prices we charge.
Challenge
Our team is at the forefront of a massive amount of user data. We need to think a lot about both scaling as well as how to provide experiences for a wide set of users that we don’t necessarily know a ton about immediately. We are building experiences into our apps to onboard, engage, and re-engage our users and are constantly experimenting to produce delightful and consistent user experiences.
We are looking for someone with deep expertise in applying scientific techniques to marketplace growth and marketing problems. Our challenges include building systems to optimize our marketing spend to bring more customers to the marketplace, targeting our pro and customer acquisition efforts to ensure better outcomes for customers and pros and healthy marketplace growth, and building personalized experiences to engage and retain our customers and professionals.
Responsibilities
Initiate and drive applied science initiatives to completion, with a focus on the business impact of those projects
Architect and deploy machine learning systems to production
Design and execute experiments, collect and analyze data to characterize our product and marketing
Analyze a wide variety of data: structured and unstructured, observational and experimental
Collaborate with engineering, marketing, and economists to use sound statistical practices
Maintain the right balance between speed of execution and scientific rigor when designing solutions
Technical mentorship of other applied scientists
What you’ll need
If you don’t think you meet all of the criteria below but still are interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box, and we’re looking for someone excited to join the team.
Expert knowledge of machine learning techniques
Ability to effectively read, write, and debug code in programming languages such as Python
Good knowledge of probability and statistics, including experimental design, optimization, and causal inference
Experience with technical mentorship of other applied scientists
Demonstrated ability to create and drive technical and impactful roadmaps for the business, and lead seamless execution
Ability to break down complex problems rigorously and understand the tradeoffs necessary to deliver impactful projects
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to cross functional partners of various technical levels
Bonus points if you have
Expert knowledge of probability and statistics, including experimental design, predictive modeling, optimization, and causal inference
Experience in applied science in growth or marketing at a Marketplace
Experience with large-scale distributed systems
Ph.D. in a relevant field
Thumbtack is a virtual-first company, meaning you can live and work from any one of our approved locations across the United States, Canada or the Philippines.*
Benefits & Perks
Virtual-first working model coupled with in-person events
20 company-wide holidays including a week-long end-of-year company shutdown
Libraries (optional use collaboration & connection hubs)in San Francisco and Salt Lake City
WiFi reimbursements
Cell phone reimbursements (North America)
Employee Assistance Program for mental health and well-being
Thumbtack embraces diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state, or local law. We also will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, consistent with applicable law.
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Month-long observances:
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February 1 – National Freedom Day
February 2 – Groundhog Day
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February 10 — Lunar New Year (Year of the Dragon)
February 11 – International Day of Women & Girls in Science
February 12 – International Epilepsy Day
February 13 – Mardi Gras
February 14 – Ash Wednesday
February 14 – Valentine’s Day
February 15 – Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
February 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day
February 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 19 – Family Day (Canada)
February 19 – President’s Day (USA)
February 20 – World Day of Social Justice
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Month-long observances:
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March 10 – Ramadan begins (Islam)
March 10 – Harriet Tubman Day (USA)
March 14 – Pi π Day
March 14 – Equal Pay Day
March 15 – International Day to Combat Islamophobia
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
March 23 – Purim (Jewish)
March 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 24 – Palm Sunday (Christian)
March 25 – Holi (Hindu)
March 29– Good Friday (Christian)
March 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31 – Easter (Christian)
March 31 – César Chávez Day (USA)
April
Month-long observances:
Arab-American Heritage Month
Autism Awareness Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
Earth Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
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Important April EDI calendar dates:
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
April 5 – Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim)
April 7 – World Health Day
April 9 – Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan (Muslim)
April 12 – National Day of Silence (LGBTQ+)
April 21 – Start of Ridvan (Baha’i)
April 22 – Passover begins (Jewish)
April 22 – Earth Day
April 24 – Administrative Professionals Day
April 28 –World Day for Safety and Health at Work
April 30 – Passover ends
May
Month-long observances:
ALS Awareness Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Indian Heritage Month
Jewish-American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
National Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Older Americans Month
South Asian American Heritage Month
Important May EDI calendar dates:
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
May 5 – Yom Hashoah (Jewish)
May 12 – Mother’s Day
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
May 19 – Malcolm X Day (USA)
May 20 – Victoria Day (Canada)
May 20 – International Human Resources Day
May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
May 23 – Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i)
May 26 – Arbor Day
May 29 – Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
May 27 – Memorial Day
June
Month-long observances:
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Black Music Month
National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Pride Month (LGBTQ+)
Important June EDI calendar dates
June 5 – World Environment Day
June 9 – Race Unity Day
June 12 – Loving Day
June 16 – Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
June 16 – Father’s Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
June 20 – World Refugee Day
June 20 – Litha, Summer Solstice (Pagan)
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)
June 23 – Public Service Day
June 24 – St-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec)
June 27 – Helen Keller Day (USA)
June 28 – Pride Day (LGBTQ+) (varies by city and country)
July
Month-long observances:
French-American Heritage Month
Important July EDI calendar dates
July 1 – Canada Day (Canada)
July 4 – Independence Day (USA)
July 7 – Al-Hijra begins (Muslim)
July 9 – Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)
July 11 – World Populace Day
July 14 – Bastille Day
July 18 – International Nelson Mandela Day
July 24 – Pioneer Day (Mormon)
July 24 – International Self-Care Day
July 26 – National Disability Independence Day (commemorates the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act)
July 28 – Parents’ Day (USA)
July 30 – International Day of Friendship
August
Month-long observances:
National Civility Month
Important EDI calendar dates:
August 7 – Purple Heart Day
August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
August 13 – Left-Handers Day
August 17 – Marcus Garvey Day (Jamaican)
August 19 – World Humanitarian Day
August 21 – Senior Citizens Day
August 26 – Women’s Equality Day
August 26 – Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
September
Month-long observances:
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Guide Dog Month
Suicide Prevention Month
Important September EDI calendar dates:
September 2 – Labor Day
September 5 – International Day of Charity
September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 – Grandparents’ Day
September 11 – Patriot Day (U.S.A.)
September 15 – International Day of Democracy
September 16 – Mexican Independence Day
September 18 – International Equal Pay Day
September 21 – International Day of Peace
September 21 – World Gratitude Day
September 22 – American Business Women’s Day
September 26 – HR Appreciation Day
September 27 – National Native American Day
September 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Canada)
October
Month-long observances:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Bullying Prevention Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Filipino-American Heritage Month
German-American Heritage Month
Italian-American Heritage Month
LGBTQ History Month
National Work and Family Month
Polish-American Heritage Month
Family History Month
Important October EDI calendar dates:
October 2 – International Day of Nonviolence
October 2 – Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish)
October 3 – Navrati begins (Hindu)
October 10 – World Mental Health Day
October 11 – National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
October 11 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
October 14 – National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States)
October 14 – Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
October 16 – Sukkot (Jewish)
October 16 – Bosses’ Day
October 19 – Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying)
October 20 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
October 20 – Sikh Holy Day (birth of Guru Granth)
October 21 – Waste Reduction Week
October 22 – International Stuttering Awareness Day
October 31 – Halloween
October 31 – Diwali (Hindu)
November
Month-long observances:
Diabetes Awareness Month
National Native American, American Heritage Month
Important EDI calendar dates:
November 1-2 – Dia de Muertos
November 1 – All Saints’ Day (Roman Catholic)
November 1 – National Stress Awareness Day
November 2 – All Souls’ Day
November 5 – Election Day (USA)
November 9 – World Freedom Day
November 9 – World Adoption Day
November 11 – Remembrance Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
November 12 – Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
November 13 – World Kindness Day
November 16 – International Day for Tolerance
November 19 – International Men’s Day
November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20 – World Children’s Day (Human Rights, U.N.)
November 28 – Thanksgiving
November 25 – Day of the Covenant (Baha’i)
November 27 – Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i)
December
Month-long observances:
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
Universal Human Rights Month
Important December EDI calendar dates:
December 1 – World AIDS Day
December 3 – International Day for People with Disabilities
December 3 – Giving Tuesday (USA)
December 5 – International Volunteer Day
December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (USA)
December 9 – International Genocide Prevention Day
December 10 – International Human Rights Day
December 18 – International Migrants Day
December 21 – Yule Winter Solstice (Pagan)
December 25 – Christmas (Christian)
December 25 – Hanukkah begins at sunset (Jewish)
December 26 – Kwanzaa week (Celebration of African Customs & Cultures)
December 26 – Boxing Day
December 31 – New Year’s Eve
January 2, 2025 – Hanukkah ends at sunset (Jewish)
Please note that while we have attempted to include all important diversity and inclusion dates in this calendar, we do not claim completeness and regret if an important date has escaped our attention. We appreciate any feedback or comments that contribute to completeness. Thank you for your understanding.
Let’s continue to recognize and celebrate diversity and inclusion throughout the year and work towards creating an inclusive environment for all.