Data Scientist (Semantic Search/Recommender Systems)

Tesco UK; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail company is seeking a Data Scientist specializing in Semantic Search to join their London office. This hybrid role involves designing algorithms, collaborating with engineers, and influencing the search experience on their platform. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or relevant experience in data science and strong skills in Python and Deep Learning. The company offers an attractive benefits package including a bonus scheme and personal development opportunities.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary

25 days holiday plus personal day

Private medical insurance

24/7 virtual GP service

Qualifications

• Experience as a Data Scientist or a relevant PhD.
• Hands-on expertise with Deep Learning approaches.
• Strong coding skills, preferably in Python.

Responsibilities

• Designing algorithms for information retrieval.
• Advising on Machine Learning components.
• Collaborating with engineers and scientists.

Skills

Deep Learning

Python

Information retrieval

Algorithm design

Education

PhD in Mathematics, Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Elasticsearch

Job description

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Data Scientist (Semantic Search/Recommender Systems), London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 7ed06a2cf166

Job Views: 17

Posted: 12.08.2025

Expiry Date: 26.09.2025

Job Description:

Tesco UK • Welwyn Garden City • Hybrid • Full-Time • Permanent • Apply by 30-May-2025

About the role

As a Data Scientist within Semantic Search, you will influence the search experience on the Tesco website by utilising advanced technologies and collaborating with a team of seasoned Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, and Software Engineers.

This role is based out of our London (Farringdon) office, offering the flexibility of hybrid working. Spend three days a week in the office and the remainder working from home.

About the Team

Join our world-class team of data professionals who are passionate about solving sophisticated business problems and deploying data products at scale. Our team works across various areas of our business, personalising our customers' experience across all touchpoints, both online and in-store. We are committed to personal and career development, providing on-desk training, support, and dedicating 10% of your working week to learning and professional growth. Additionally, there are opportunities to attend and speak at external and internal events, encouraging individuals growth as experts in the field. Our team values work-life balance, team days, and cultivates a relaxed yet engaging culture.

What is in it for you

We're all about the little helps. That's why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you - both in and out of work. Benefits include:

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 year's service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay
• 4 weeks fully paid paternity leave
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
• Free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing

Responsibilities:

• Applying, modifying, and designing algorithms and models for information retrieval and re-ranking
• Advising on systems architecture, Machine Learning components, and related technologies
• Using data to train and fine-tune models
• Developing efficient and high-quality software code
• Collaborating with Search Engineers, ML Engineers, and Data Scientists
• Communicating sophisticated solutions to non-technical colleagues

Requirements:

• Experience as a Data Scientist or a PhD in a relevant field such as Mathematics, Engineering, or Computer Science
• Hands-on expertise with Deep Learning approaches, including transformer-based language models
• Strong coding skills, preferably in Python, with experience in version control, testing, and CI
• Desirable: Experience with Semantic Search, Vector Databases, Search Engine frameworks like Elasticsearch

About us

Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We offer diverse working patterns and a blend of office and remote working, fostering a culture of connection, collaboration, and innovation.