Lead Economist (Data Scientist), Marketplace Strategy

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Get to Know the Team We are the architects of the marketplace economy. We design the blueprints, incentives, and clearing mechanisms that power the platform. We combine rigorous economic theory with data science to solve the fundamental coordination problems of the on-demand economy-balancing supply, demand, and price in real-time. We do not just analyze the market; we shape it. We foster a culture where you have the freedom to explore. We balance the optimization of our current systems with a goal of solving the open-ended, foundational questions to define the next horizon of our growth. We want to leave a lasting impact on the ecosystem of drivers, merchants, and passengers who rely on our equilibrium every day. Get to Know the Role We are looking for an Economist who can operate at the intersection of causal science and commercial strategy. You will be the bridge between theoretical rigor and real-world application. This role will report to Lead Economist (Data Scientist), Marketplace Strategy and base on site in our Petaling Jaya office. You will go beyond standard A/B testing to "decode" the complex behaviors of our ecosystem. You will identify the hidden tradeoffs in every decision and mapping the second- and third-order consequences of our algorithms. Whether you are redesigning pricing principles or modeling labor supply elasticity, your work will provide the definitive "so what?" that guides our product roadmap and investment strategy The Critical Tasks You Will Perform Architect Marketplace Mechanisms : You will own the economic logic for the main pillars of our platform (Supply, Growth, Pricing, or Dispatch). You will design the incentives and clearing mechanisms that keep our marketplace healthy and efficient. Decode Economic Behavior : You will build models to understand why users and partners make the choices they do. Your insights will move us beyond treating users as metrics, helping us build a more engaging, human-centric marketplace. Be the Authority on Causal Truth : You will apply quasi-experimental methods and structural modeling to safeguard the business from mistaking correlation for causation. You will ensure our biggest bets are backed by rigorous evidence rather than coincidence. Solve Big, Ambiguous Questions : You will help build the research agenda for the "unknowns" of our marketplace. You will investigate foundational topics-like long-run market dynamics, system efficiency frontiers, and partner choice architecture-to shape our multi-year vision. Simplify Strategy : You will distill immense complexity into clear, applicable mental models. You will partner with senior leadership to cut through the noise, helping them define the true goals and principles of the business. What Essential Skills You Will Need Industry Experience : At least 5 years of experience with marketplace design, pricing strategy or economic consulting. Technical Skills : Econometrics: Expertise in causal inference techniques like difference-in-differences and regression discontinuity Structural thinking: ability to build models predicting market equilibrium and effects of pricing changes Technical proficiency: SQL and statistical programming (R, Python) is necessary. Strategic Communication: ability to simplify complex economic concepts to partners and influence decisions. Experience with economic logic, structural thinking, and causal analysis, regardless of their tenure in industry. A Master's/PhD degree in Economics, or a related field is preferred. Life at Grab We care about your well-being at Grab, here are some of the global benefits we offer: We have your back with Term Life Insurance and comprehensive Medical Insurance. With GrabFlex, create a benefits package that suits your needs and aspirations. Celebrate moments that matter in life with loved ones through Parental and Birthday leave , and give back to your communities through Love-all-Serve-all (LASA) volunteering leave We have a confidential Grabber Assistance Programme to guide and uplift you and your loved ones through life's challenges. Balancing personal commitments and life's demands are made easier with our FlexWork arrangements such as differentiated hours What We Stand For at Grab We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that enables diverse Grabbers to grow and perform at their best. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all candidates fairly and equally regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, family commitments, physical and mental impairments or disabilities, and other attributes that make them unique.