Senior Research Scientist (Applied Research - Scalable AI/ML Solutions, SLMs & GenAI)

NielsenIQ is a consumer intelligence company that delivers the Full View™, the world’s most complete and clear understanding of consumer buying behavior that reveals new pathways to growth. Since 1923, NIQ has moved measurement forward for industries and economies across the globe. We are putting the brightest and most dedicated minds together to accelerate progress. Our diversity brings out the best in each other so we can leave a lasting legacy on the work that we do and the people that we do it with.

NielsenIQ offers a range of products and services that leverage Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to provide insights into consumer behavior and market trends. This position opens the opportunity to apply the latest state of the art in AI/ML and data science to global and key strategic projects

Job Description

Focus:  Researching scalable AI/ML solutions, with particular emphasis on Small Language Models (SLMs), GenAI systems, and research approaches that can transfer effectively into real-world applications.

• Strong background in applied machine learning / AI research
• Deep hands-on experience with Python and modern ML / deep learning frameworks
• Strong understanding of model design, experimentation, and evaluation
• Experience working with GenAI systems and language models
• Strong interest in Small Language Models (SLMs), LLMs, and practical AI system design
• Ability to design research with real-world constraints in mind, including scalability, efficiency, and usability
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders in English

Nice to Have:

• Experience with model deployment, system scalability, or performance optimization
• Familiarity with production-oriented thinking for ML / AI systems
• Experience working across both research and applied implementation
• Exposure to agentic AI concepts and orchestration frameworks
• Experience collaborating in cross-functional environments with engineering or product stakeholders

Qualifications

Technologies:

Required: Python, PyTorch, Transformers
Preferred: Hugging Face ecosystem, ML evaluation tooling, orchestration frameworks, model optimization / deployment tooling, cloud or scalable ML platforms
Not Required: Deep stakeholder management expertise or people management experience

Role Emphasis:

• Heavy focus on applied research into scalable AI/ML solutions
• Strong emphasis on SLMs and GenAI approaches that are realistic, efficient, and transferable
• Acts as a bridge between research exploration and later real-world implementation
• Helps ensure experiments are designed with practical constraints in mind, rather than remaining purely conceptual
• Contributes hands-on to model experimentation, architecture decisions, and technical direction within the applied ML/AI research team

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-IR2

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles:

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the