AI Data Scientist

Tesco UK; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK supermarket chain is seeking an AI Data Scientist to develop intelligent systems using large language models (LLMs). This hands-on role requires collaboration with stakeholders and a focus on delivering practical and scalable AI solutions. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge in AI methodologies and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Flexible working patterns are available in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with large language models and AI systems.
• Ability to translate stakeholder needs into AI solutions.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

Responsibilities

• Design AI systems that are scalable and safe.
• Work closely with stakeholders to understand needs.
• Shape how agentic AI is applied across areas.

Skills

Broad understanding of LLM architectures

Managing context windows effectively

Selecting appropriate models for specific tasks

Implementing safety guardrails and alignment techniques

Strong experience evaluating data pipelines and ML systems

Ability to make well-reasoned decisions

Pragmatic approach to experimentation

Actively engaged in learning

Curious and adaptable

Job description

Overview

At Tesco, our Data Science team builds scalable solutions to complex business challenges across stores, online, supply chain, marketing and Clubcard. We apply advanced machine learning, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) to personalise customer experiences, optimise operations and drive innovation. We work across several business domains, including customer experience, online, fulfilment, distribution, commodities, store operations and technology. Team members rotate across domains to broaden their expertise and impact.

We foster a culture of continuous learning, dedicating 10% of the working week to personal development. Our team benefits from academic partnerships, regular knowledge‑sharing events and a collaborative, inclusive environment that values work‑life balance and professional growth.

Role Summary

We are seeking an AI Data Scientist to help build intelligent systems that go beyond prediction—systems that can reason, act, and adapt to real‑world challenges. This is a hands‑on role where you will work across the full lifecycle of AI projects, using large language models (LLMs) and agentic AI techniques to develop practical solutions for business problems.

You'll design AI systems that are technically sound, scalable, and safe, while keeping business constraints in mind. Collaboration is key—you’ll work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into effective AI solutions. Clear communication is essential, whether you're documenting your work, presenting results to non‑technical audiences, or supporting product managers and lead scientists.

A core part of the role involves shaping how agentic AI is applied across different areas, ensuring systems can make decisions independently while staying within safe and defined boundaries.

You’ll join a team that values curiosity, practical thinking, and continuous learning. There will also be opportunities to share your work with the broader AI community.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Broad understanding of LLM architectures, training methodologies, and usage patterns
• Managing context windows effectively
• Selecting appropriate models for specific tasks
• Implementing safety guardrails and alignment techniques
• Decomposing complex tasks into model‑friendly components
• Strong experience evaluating and validating data pipelines and ML systems
• Familiarity with AI‑specific evaluation methods, including quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments
• Ability to make well‑reasoned decisions grounded in technical understanding and real‑world constraints
• Pragmatic approach to experimentation and solution design
• Actively engaged in learning and staying current with developments in AI and machine learning
• Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement
• Focused on delivering practical, scalable, and responsible AI solutions

Values

• Actively engaged in learning and staying current with developments in AI and machine learning
• Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement
• Focused on delivering practical, scalable, and responsible AI solutions

Company Purpose & Culture

Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is ‘Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day’. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, the communities we are part of and the planet.

We are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we celebrate diversity and recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We’re committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We’re accredited Disability Confident Leader and committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please click here.

We’re a big business and can offer a range of diverse full‑time & part‑time working patterns across our many business areas. We work in a more blended pattern—combining office and remote working. Our offices will continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. If you are applying internally, please speak to the Hiring Manager about how this can work for you. Everyone is welcome at Tesco.