Senior Applied Scientist - Algorithmic Pricing

Role Overview and Team Context

Join Zalando as a Senior Applied Scientist in our Pricing Platform team, where you will be instrumental in designing and enhancing machine learning models that underpin our advanced algorithmic pricing system. This role demands expertise in deep learning and gradient boosted trees to address extensive forecasting challenges inherent to our vast, seasonal inventory of over 500,000 articles. Collaborate with data scientists and cross-functional teams to integrate methods from machine learning, causal inference, and operations research, advancing our pricing technology and contributing to our vibrant applied science community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art machine learning models for item-level demand forecasting at scale.
• Utilize advanced deep learning approaches, including NLP and sequence modeling, to tackle complex forecasting scenarios.
• Manage ML operations, perform data analyses, and deploy models to production environments using Databricks.
• Formulate and experimentally validate scientific hypotheses to improve algorithmic pricing.
• Collaborate tightly with other data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to assess and enhance pricing solutions.

Qualifications and Expertise

• Possession of a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong foundational mathematical and analytical capabilities.
• Deep practical knowledge of machine learning techniques such as deep learning and gradient boosted trees, with hands-on experience building production-level models using frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or LightGBM.
• Proven proficiency in forecasting, particularly with deep learning methods tailored for high-dimensional data.
• Advanced Python programming skills applied in complex data science and engineering contexts.
• Familiarity with modern reproducibility tools including MLflow and Weights & Biases to ensure scientific rigor.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Zalando values diversity and fosters an inclusive workplace culture. We encourage applications from candidates irrespective of their backgrounds and emphasize fair evaluation based solely on skills and potential. We respectfully request that applicants omit personal identifiers such as photos, age, or marital status from their CVs to aid unbiased assessment. Accessibility accommodations are offered upon request during the recruitment process.

Employee Benefits

• Starting with 27 vacation days per year, increasing by one day annually up to a maximum of 30 days.
• Two paid volunteering days every year.
• Hybrid work setup with flexibility for up to 40% remote work weekly, tailored by team needs.
• Participation in the employee shares program.
• Substantial discounts on Zalando products—40% on fashion and beauty, 30% on Lounge by Zalando—and offers from partner companies.
• Relocation support conditional on prior agreement.
• Family support services including counseling.
• Access to health and wellness initiatives, including programs formerly known as Gympass.
• Available mental health resources and coaching.
• Opportunities for continuous development via internal training and peer feedback.