Senior Data Scientist (Operational Research)

SearchWorks; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SearchWorks, a fast-growing technology company in London, is seeking a Senior Data Scientist (Operational Research) to solve large-scale optimisation problems across its operational network. You will design, implement and productionise optimisation models influencing scheduling, routing and network decisions.

The role blends Operational Research with Data Science, requiring strong commercial experience, independence and ability to own complex technical problems end-to-end.

Qualifications

• Degree/MSc/PhD in Operational Research or related discipline.
• Proven experience applying OR and optimisation techniques in a commercial setting.
• Experience building optimisation solutions for production environments.
• Strong knowledge of mathematical programming, scheduling or assignment problems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop large-scale optimisation models and algorithms.
• Solve complex scheduling, assignment and network optimisation problems.
• Apply mathematical programming, heuristics and metaheuristics to real-world challenges.
• Build, test and benchmark optimisation solutions using Python.
• Take optimisation models from initial concept through to production.
• Work closely with Data Scientists, Software Engineers and commercial stakeholders.
• Improve the scalability and performance of existing optimisation systems.

Skills

Operational Research

Optimization techniques

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree/MSc/PhD in Operational Research or related discipline

Tools

Python

Job description

We’re working with a fast-growing technology company looking to hire a Senior Data Scientist (Operational Research) to help solve complex, large-scale optimisation problems within its operational network.

This is a senior individual contributor role sitting at the intersection of Operational Research and Data Science. You’ll develop optimisation models and algorithms that directly influence real-world decisions across areas such as scheduling, assignment, pricing and network optimisation.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and developing large-scale optimisation models and algorithms
• Solving complex scheduling, assignment and network optimisation problems
• Applying mathematical programming, heuristics and metaheuristics to real-world challenges
• Building, testing and benchmarking optimisation solutions using Python
• Taking optimisation models from initial concept through to production
• Working closely with Data Scientists, Software Engineers and commercial stakeholders
• Improving the scalability and performance of existing optimisation systems

What we’re looking for

• Degree/MSc/PhD in Operational Research or a closely related discipline
• Strong commercial experience applying Operational Research and optimisation techniques
• Experience building optimisation solutions within a commercial/technology environment
• Strong knowledge of areas such as mathematical programming, combinatorial optimisation, heuristics, scheduling or assignment problems
• Experience taking models and algorithms beyond research/prototyping and into real-world production environments
• Comfortable working independently and owning complex technical problems

Experience within logistics, marketplaces, transport, supply chain, routing or network optimisation would be particularly relevant, but isn't essential.