Senior Principal Applied Scientist Assortment Optimization (all genders)

Zalando; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 80.000 - 110.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading fashion e-commerce platform in Berlin is looking for a Senior / Principal Applied Scientist to lead the scientific strategy for assortment optimization. This role involves developing advanced machine learning models and solving complex optimization problems. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in machine learning and operations research. Competitive benefits include a hybrid working model and a comprehensive employee benefits program.

Leistungen

Employee shares program

40% off fashion and beauty products

Hybrid working model

27 days of vacation

Health and wellbeing options

Qualifikationen

• 8 years of industry experience solving large-scale problems.
• Proven track record of designing high-impact scientific solutions in production.
• Deep hands-on expertise in machine learning and operations research.

Aufgaben

• Architect scientific vision and own end-to-end strategy for assortment optimisation.
• Develop and deploy sophisticated time-series and deep learning models.
• Apply expertise in operations research to solve large-scale optimization problems.
• Implement model-based online optimization and reinforcement learning models.
• Design experiments to understand the impact of assortment choices on customer behavior.
• Mentor and elevate technical standards across the team.

Kenntnisse

Machine Learning

Python

Data Science

Operations Research

Causal Inference

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Spark

Dask

Jobbeschreibung

THE ROLE & THE TEAM

Zalando is the Starting Point for Fashion in Europe and our assortment of millions of items is our core product. We are at a pivotal moment ready to move from manual curation to building a world‑class intelligent system that decides what products our 50 million customers will see. This is a greenfield opportunity to create the scientific foundation for one of the most complex and fascinating challenges in e‑commerce.

We are looking for a Senior / Principal Applied Scientist to be the architect of this future. You will not just be applying models; you will be solving a deeply complex optimization problem under uncertainty blending cutting‑edge machine learning with operations research and economics to build the engine that powers Zalando's commercial success.

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando our vision is to be the leading pan‑European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e‑commerce – one that is inclusive by design. We only assess candidates based on qualification merit and business needs. We welcome applications from people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, personal expressions, racial identities, ethnicities, religious beliefs and disability statuses. We only want to know why you’re great for this role so please avoid including your picture, age and marital status in your CV as well.

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Please feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need so we can best support and assist you throughout the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Architect the Scientific Vision: own the end‑to‑end scientific strategy for assortment optimisation, decomposing the challenge into tractable problems from long‑range trend forecasting to real‑time inventory placement.
• Master Demand & Trend Forecasting: develop and deploy sophisticated time‑series and deep learning models to predict fashion trends and forecast demand across a vast fast‑changing catalog. Your models will serve as the primary input for all assortment decisions.
• Solve Large‑Scale Optimization Problems: apply expertise in Operations Research (online stochastic and combinatorial optimisation, integer programming) to select the optimal set of products to carry, considering warehouse capacity, supplier constraints and profitability goals.
• Pioneer Sequential Decision‑Making: implement model‑based online optimisation or Reinforcement Learning models to create dynamic adaptive policies for inventory management, producing optimal strategies for buying, replenishing and clearing stock throughout a product's lifecycle.
• Measure True Impact with Causal Inference: design experiments and build causal models to understand the true impact of our assortment choices on customer behaviour and long‑term value, answering questions such as whether adding a brand increases customer loyalty.
• Lead and Mentor: as a senior scientific leader, elevate the technical bar across Zalando, mentor other scientists and engineers, and foster a culture of rigorous, impactful research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Operations Research, Machine Learning, Statistics or Economics with 8 years of industry experience solving large‑scale problems.
• Proven track record of designing and deploying high‑impact scientific solutions in production, particularly in supply‑chain optimisation, demand forecasting, algorithmic marketing or large‑scale recommendation systems.
• Deep hands‑on expertise in one or more of the following core areas:
  • Machine Learning: advanced forecasting, reinforcement learning, deep learning (PyTorch / TensorFlow)
  • Operations Research: mathematical optimisation, simulation and modelling of complex systems
  • Causal Inference & Econometrics: experimental design, uplift modelling and techniques for measuring causal impact from observational data
• Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency with big‑data technologies (e.g. Spark, Dask).
• An entrepreneurial and strategic mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity, define the scientific roadmap and connect work directly to business value.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of explaining complex scientific concepts to leaders and partners across the organization.

OUR OFFER

Zalando provides a range of benefits. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

• Employee shares program
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando; 30% off Lounge by Zalando discounts from external partners
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week (actual practice is up to each team)
• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
• 27 days of vacation a year to start for full‑time employees
• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
• Family services including counselling and support
• Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub formerly Gympass)
• Mental health support and coaching available
• Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer‑to‑peer review

Employment Type

Full‑Time

Required Experience

Staff IC

Key Skills

Machine Learning, Python, Data Science, AI, R, Research Experience, Sensors, Drug Discovery, Research & Development, Natural Language Processing, Data Analysis Skills, Toxicology Experience