Senior Research Scientist (AI/ML)

NielsenIQ is a consumer intelligence company that delivers the Full View™, the world’s most complete and clear understanding of consumer buying behavior that reveals new pathways to growth. Since 1923, NIQ has moved measurement forward for industries and economies across the globe. We are putting the brightest and most dedicated minds together to accelerate progress. Our diversity brings out the best in each other so we can leave a lasting legacy on the work that we do and the people that we do it with. NielsenIQ offers a range of products and services that leverage Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to provide insights into consumer behavior and market trends. This position opens the opportunity to apply the latest state of the art in AI/ML and data science to global and key strategic projects.

NielsenIQ’s Innovation Team is growing our AI capabilities and is now looking to hire a senior research scientist in India (Chennai or Pune) for the Core Models team, a multidisciplinary team of researchers working on different areas of AI such as recommender systems, extreme classifiers, Large Language Models (LLMs), among others. As part of this team, you will stay up to date with the latest research in AI (with special focus on NLP, but also on Computer Vision and other AI related fields), implement current state-of-the-art algorithms in real-world and large-scale challenging problems as well as proposing novel ideas. Your main focus will be developing and customizing LLMs for consumer insights, injecting knowledge about NIQ’s business (FMCG and Tech&Durables) and building downstream applications. You will also have the opportunity to produce scientific content such as patents or conference/journal papers.  The selected candidate will also be responsible for analyzing data, researching the most appropriate techniques, and the development, testing, support and delivery of proof of concepts. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Investigate, develop, and apply machine learning innovations with minimal technical supervision. 
• Perform feasibility studies and analyze data to determine the most appropriate solution. 
• Drive innovation and lead our work on custom Large Language Models.  
• Work on many different data challenges, always ensuring a combination of simplicity, scalability, reproducibility and maintainability within the ML solutions and source code.  
• Be able to communicate results to tech and non-tech audiences.  
• To work as a member of a team, encouraging team building, motivation and cultivating effective team relations.  

Required Education, Skills and Experience:

• Master's degree in computer science or an equivalent numerate discipline. 
• At least 4-5 years’ experience with evidence in a related field. 
• Strong background in computer science, linear algebra, probability. 
• Solid experience in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (special focus on Transformers). 
• Proven experience in Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models. 
• Able to understand scientific papers and develop ideas into executable code.  
• Proven track record of innovation in creating novel algorithms, publishing in AI conferences/journals and applying the latest advances in AI to real world problems. 
• Data analysis and practical hands-on experience with datasets, ML models and evaluations. 
• Languages and technologies: Python, PyTorch, Huggingface, git, pandas/polars, sklearn. 
• Proactive attitude, constructive, intellectual curiosity, and persistence to find answers to questions. 
• A proficient level of interpersonal and communication skills (English level B2 minimum). 
• Keen to work as part of a diverse team of international colleagues and in a global inclusive culture. 

Preferred Education, Skills and Experience:

• PhD in science (NLP is preferred) and specialized courses in one of the above-mentioned fields. 
• Experience working with large real-world datasets and scalable ML solutions. 
• Previous experience in ecommerce, retail and/or FMCG/Consumer Insight business. 
• Agile methodologies development (SCRUM or Scale Agile). 

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

NIQ is committed to reflecting the diversity of the clients, communities, and markets we measure within our own workforce. We exist to count everyone and are on a mission to systematically embed inclusion and diversity into all aspects of our workforce, measurement, and products. We enthusiastically invite candidates who share that mission to join us. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status or any other protected class. Our global non-discrimination policy covers these protected classes in every market in which we do business worldwide. Learn more about how we are driving diversity and inclusion in everything we do by visiting the NIQ News Center: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion