Location Zurich Contract Full time Job Category Applied Science & Research

The Inspiration & Entertainment team at PRSB (Personalization, Recommendation, Search, Browse) is taking the next step in evolving beyond the traditional transactional model. We’re shifting our focus toward fostering deeper engagement and delivering truly inspiring experiences. To achieve this, we are harnessing cutting-edge machine learning technologies—ranging from advanced recommender systems to generative AI (GenAI), large language models (LLMs), and neural search capabilities. These tools will enable us to offer users not just content, but personalized, exciting, and motivational experiences that resonate deeply.

Collaborating closely with our teams in Shenzhen, China, we are bringing together and tapping into a diverse pool of global technical talent. This global partnership allows us to approach these challenges from multiple perspectives, ensuring that we create something both innovative and valuable for our customers. Together, we aim to transform how people engage with content, making each interaction not just transactional, but inspirational.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will play a key role in addressing challenging fashion problems and evaluating their effectiveness. Reporting into the Head of Applied Science, you will help drive our scientific roadmap, applying your scientific capabilities to deliver department-wide and cross-department projects in collaboration with multiple teams. Working closely with Zalando science leaders, you will guide a team of exceptional scientists and engineers to develop models and cutting-edge machine learning products that enhance the experience of over 50 million customers.

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING):

• Utilize your extensive scientific experience in researching and analyzing data to drive decisions in order to enhance the inspiration journey of millions of our customers. Collaborate with multiple teams to create a cutting-edge science and analytics stack that aligns with the product strategy and drive architectural and design principles.

• Develop long-term scientific roadmaps to address complex fashion challenges using state-of-the-art solutions, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation. Contribute to our scientific endeavours through internal peer reviews and external publications in top-tier journals and conferences.

• Act as a mentor to Junior and Senior Scientists, foster collaboration with other teams, and actively share knowledge and expertise within Zalando’s science community.

• Forge close partnerships with Applied Science leaders, Product Managers, and other business stakeholders to deliver state-of-the-art machine learning solutions to our customers and uncover new opportunities for growth.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF:

• You have a PhD or MSc in STEM discipline (e.g. math, engineering, physics) or economics, or equivalent practical experience, accompanied by 5+ years of industry experience.

• You have experience in developing long-term research roadmaps and