Data Scientist (Semantic Search / Recommender Systems)

At Tesco Technology, we have an outstanding opportunity for a Data Scientist to work on Semantic Search projects! We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist or a PhD graduate with Semantic Search, recommender systems or information retrieval or LLM experience.

Join our team and take the lead in redesigning our customers engagement on our groceries website. By applying sophisticated technologies like semantic search and transformer models, and playing a pivotal role in improving the search functionality for millions of customers across multiple countries. This position allows someone to quickly make a meaningful impact and contribute to the seamless operation of our supply chain, transport, and delivery operations.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Tesco, we always welcome chats about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

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. 

This role can be based out of either our London (Farringdon) office or Welwyn Garden City office, offering the flexibility of hybrid working. Spend three days a week in the office and the remainder working from home.

As a Data Scientist, 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.

You will be responsible for: 

• Applying, modifying, and designing algorithms and models for information retrieval and re-ranking 
• Advising on the systems architecture, Machine Learning components, and associated technologies 
• Using data to train and fine-tune models 
• Developing efficient and high-quality code in Software Engineering 
• Collaborating closely with Search Engineers, ML Engineers, and Data Scientists 
• Promoting data science internally and effectively communicating sophisticated solutions to non-technical colleagues

#LI-CC1
 #LI-Hybrid

To excel in this role, we are seeking high-reaching individuals with a strong blend of Machine Learning and Software Engineering skills. The following requirements are important: 

• An experienced Data Scientist or a PhD graduate with Semantic Search, recommender systems or information retrieval or LLM experience.
• Desirable: Experience with Semantic Search approaches and Vector Databases combined with experience of working with Search Engine frameworks, preferably Elasticsearch 
• Strong coding skills, preferably in Python and a solid grasp of effective methods in Engineering, including version control, development driven by testing, and Continuous Integration 
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise with Deep Learning approaches, including modern language models based on transformer architecture 
• PhD in a relevant field such as Mathematics, Engineering or Computer Science 

Join our Technology team and be part of a world-class team that is crafting the future of retail technology! Apply now to seize this ambitious opportunity. 

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. Click Here to find out more!

• 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 years’ service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 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

You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award-winning mobile network. Truth is, we’re all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues.

At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone’s welcome. That’s why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying.