Applied Economics Lead

The Applied Economics Lead, BIG (Business Intelligence, Intelligence, and Growth) will partner closely with our Data Scientists, Analysts, and Data Engineers, as well as with product, engineering, and marketing counterparts across Gaming to apply an economics lens to our analyses and recommendations. This role requires understanding and depth of analytic rigor as it relates to market dynamics, pricing strategies, and customer behavior. Your work will involve applying economic theories, statistical models, and data analyses techniques to help drive informed decision-making and improve our business performance. The candidate will be responsible for partnering across multiple data teams to ensure analyses are considered globally rather than locally and that recommendations are made with consideration to global maxima across Gaming. Be a performance-minded thinker with good sensibility to know how much effort and rigor applies situationally. They will challenge conventions to get to breakthrough work and results. 

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 

Responsibilities

• Analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and identify patterns, trends, and relationships relevant to business objectives. 

• Conduct economic research to understand market dynamics, consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and industry trends.  

• Evaluate pricing strategies, conduct price optimization analysis, and assess impact of pricing changes on customer demand and profitability. 

• Develop economic models and forecasting techniques to support strategic planning, resource allocation and business forecasting.  

• Assess the potential economic impact of policy changes, regulatory developments, or market disruptions on the company’s operations and strategies.  

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business leaders, data scientists, engineers, product managers, analysts, and marketers to provide economic insights and recommendations. 

• Present findings, insights, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports, presentations, and data visualizations. 
• Embody our Culture and Values 

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experience
  • OR equivalent experience.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 8+ years related research experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.
• Experience participating in a top conference in relevant research domain.
• Quantitative and analytical skills with experience in data manipulation, data visualization, and related prog