Applied Research Manager

At eBay, we're more than a global ecommerce leader — we're changing the way the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We're committed to pushing boundaries and leaving our mark as we reinvent the future of ecommerce for enthusiasts.

Our customers are our compass, authenticity thrives, bold ideas are welcome, and everyone can bring their unique selves to work — every day. We're in this together, sustaining the future of our customers, our company, and our planet.

Join a team of passionate thinkers, innovators, and dreamers — and help us connect people and build communities to create economic opportunity for all.

Looking to make an impact on the future of global commerce? Do you want to shape how millions of people buy, sell, and engage around the world? Seeking a stellar Applied Research Manager to join us in crafting the next generation of search and advertising products that redefine e-commerce. Join our team to help build innovative eBay search if you enjoy tackling complex challenges.

About The Team And The Role
The Search Ranking and Monetization Team is the biggest contributor to eBay's revenue. We are growing at a rapid pace and are committed to building a stellar team. We are a team where people who do things differently and win are rewarded and grow. Our team is results-oriented and hardworking, yet the environment is relaxed and fun. We get things done that make a difference.

What You Will Accomplish
As an Applied Research Manager, you lead scientists and engineers, guiding major projects. This role is a unique blend of technical leadership and people management, perfect for a seasoned researcher who excels at both.

• Manage a group of researchers and technologists, aligning the team's work with product initiatives and encouraging the professional development of your team members.
• Take on vague and ambitious business problems, translating them into principled, solvable research plans and driving them from idea to production.
• Serve as the technical project lead for critical initiatives, collaborating with product managers and engineers to build robust data pipelines and scalable algorithmic systems.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers, setting the bar for technical excellence and helping to establish and improve scientific processes across the organization.
• Act as a key technical voice in discussions across teams, influencing technical direction and contributing to the broader org and company strategy.

What You Will Bring

• An experienced and strong practitioner of machine learning with deep industrial experience in one or more of the following: classification, regression, recommendation systems, ranking systems, online advertising, or fraud detection.
• Proven track record to lead complex projects, reduce ambiguity, and make critical technical decisions that balance short-term needs and long-term vision.
• Experience designing and operating big data processing pipelines using technologies like Hadoop, Spark, Hive, or SQL.
• Strong programming skills and experience building large-scale backend systems using languages such as Python, R, Java, Scala, or C++.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills, with a track record of influencing others and driving consensus.
• PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field with 4-8 years of industry experience, OR a Master's degree with 8-11 years of industry experience.
• A history of publishing in top-tier academic conferences is a strong plus.

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eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities.

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