Sanja Jonić, Dr.
Lead Machine Learning Scientist
Berlin
Summary
Lead Data/Machine Learning Scientist with a strong foundation in scientific research and extensive experience applying machine learning in real-world business applications. Proven expertise in leading end-to-end projects, building scalable ML systems (including MLOps), and driving impactful business solutions through predictive analytics. Specializes in research, applied AI for customer behavior and personalization, and Bayesian modeling, with proficiency in different ML frameworks. Recognized for innovative problem-solving, creativity, fast learning, and leadership in guiding teams to success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Lead Machine Learning Scientist
On
02.2025 - Current
- Leading and mentoring a team of junior data scientists, ensuring high-quality model development and best practices for model monitoring and experimentation, ensuring reproducibility and continuous improvement
- Defining and driving the ML strategies for customer engagement and explainable AI, aligning with business goals in marketing, personalization, and retention
- Overseeing and end-to-end ML system design and optimization of the productionized pipelines
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams (marketing, data, and product) to drive data-driven decision-making at an organizational level
Senior Machine Learning Scientist
On
11.2022 - 01.2025
- Led end-to-end machine learning projects, from business design to deployment and monitoring phases
- Developed ML models productionization strategies on top of Kubeflow, TFX, and Airflow
- Conducted marketing research and developed Bayesian in-house MMM model, outperforming previously explored models
- Developed and deployed predictive models, including churn, propensity score, and CLV predictions, to personalize marketing campaigns and improve customer targeting
- Implemented causal inference techniques to evaluate marketing campaigns, product changes, and business interventions
- Generated accurate sales forecasts using time series analysis, used for resource allocation planning
- Building custom recommendation systems to enhance customer personalization and improve user engagement as part of ongoing project
Data Scientist
Adjust
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Hands on experience in statistical analysis and building, training and tuning regression and classification ML models for predictive purposes and outlier and fraud detection
- Applied clustering customer segmentation techniques to optimize customer experiences and revenue generation
- Analyzed the assisting power of Connected TV in customer journeys, which resulted in 5%-8% increase in the attributed value of CTV in multi-touch attribution models
- Development and maintenance of data pipelines, good knowledge of ETLs
- Analyzed A/B test results to optimize website features, marketing strategies, and product offerings
Research Scientist
Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)
10.2015 - 11.2019
- Leveraged neural networks and deep learning models on top of TensorFlow and PyTorch to identify patterns in large-scale astronomical datasets, and model the demographics of supermassive black holes, contributing to deeper understanding of these objects and their behavior
- Presented findings at international conferences and organized workshops at the institute
Data Analyst
mc Group
02.2018 - 06.2018
- Defined and tracked important KPIs, and analyzed user behavior profiles, in order to implement data-driven marketing solutions that would improve clients' business performance and increase their website traffic
Junior Research Scientist
Astronomical Observatory Belgrade
10.2014 - 07.2015
- Conducted statistical analysis to explore the relationship between supermassive black holes and their surrounding environments resulting in published research papers
Education
Ph.D. - Astrophysics
University of Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany 04.2015 - 01.2020
Master of Science - Astrophysics
University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia 04.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Astrophysics
University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia 04.2007 - 01.2013
Skills
Programming Languages
- Seaborn
- Matplotlib
Data Visualization
- AWS familiarity
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Cloud Platforms
- GitHub
- Git
Version Control
- Airflow
- Docker
- MLFlow
- Kubeflow
MLOps & Deployment
- CausalImpact
- PyMC
Statistical/Bayesian Tools
- NLP
- Time Series Forecasting
- Recommendation Systems
- PyTorch
- TensorFlow
- XGBoost
- scikit-Learn
Machine Learning Concepts and Frameworks
- DBT
- pySpark
- Pandas
Data Processing & ETLs
- C
- SQL
- Python
Programming Languages
Websites
Hobbies
- Calisthenics
- Weightlifting
- Neuroscience
- Candle crafting
- Painting
- Hiking
- Cycling
Timeline
Lead Machine Learning Scientist
On
02.2025 - Current
Senior Machine Learning Scientist
On
11.2022 - 01.2025
Data Scientist
Adjust
01.2020 - 10.2022
Data Analyst
mc Group
02.2018 - 06.2018
Research Scientist
Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)
10.2015 - 11.2019
Ph.D. - Astrophysics
University of Potsdam
04.2015 - 01.2020
Junior Research Scientist
Astronomical Observatory Belgrade
10.2014 - 07.2015
Master of Science - Astrophysics
University of Belgrade
04.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Astrophysics
University of Belgrade
04.2007 - 01.2013
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