AI/ML Research Scientist

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. 

NielsenIQ's Innovation Team is expanding its AI capabilities and is hiring an AI/ML Research Scientist for our Core Models team in Pune, India. This multidisciplinary team of researchers works across cutting-edge areas of AI including Generative AI (GenAI), Large Language Models (LLMs)—with a particular focus on GPT-based architectures—as well as recommender systems and extreme classifiers.

As part of this team, you'll stay at the forefront of AI research, especially in Natural Language Processing (NLP). You'll implement state-of-the-art algorithms to solve real-world, large-scale challenges and contribute novel ideas to advance our capabilities.

Key Focus:

We are specifically looking for candidates with hands-on experience fine-tuning open-source LLMs or training them from scratch using custom datasets, ideally auto-regressive language models. Your work will directly contribute to the development of robust, safe, and aligned AI models tailored to NielsenIQ's business needs.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop scalable, reproducible, and maintainable data pipelines for ML solutions
• Fine-tune or train LLMs (especially GPT-based models) from scratch using custom datasets
• Design innovative algorithms to adapt large language models for domain-specific applications at NIQ.
• Conduct feasibility studies and data analysis to identify optimal solutions
• Drive innovation in custom LLM and GenAI development
• Communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate within a high-performing team, fostering motivation and strong team dynamics
• Contribute to scientific output including patents and publications

Required Education, Skills and Experience: 

• Master's degree in computer science or an equivalent numerate discipline.  
• At least years' experience with evidence in a related field.  
• Strong background in computer science, linear algebra, probability.  
• Solid experience in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (special focus on Transformers).  
• Proven experience in Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models.  
• Proven experience building scalable data pipelines and ETLs.  
• Able to understand scientific papers and develop ideas into executable code.   
• Proven track record of innovation in creating novel algorithms and publishing the results in AI conferences/journals.  
• Languages and technologies: Python, SQL, PySpark, Databricks, Pandas/Polars, PyArrow, PyTorch, Huggingface, git.  
• Proactive attitude, constructive, intellectual curiosity, and persistence to find answers to questions.  
• A proficient level of interpersonal and communication skills (English level B2 minimum).  

• Keen to work as part of a diverse team of international colleagues and in a global inclusive culture.  

Additional Information:  

Preferred Education, Skills and Experience: 

• PhD in science (NLP/Data Science is preferred) and specialized courses in one of the above-mentioned fields.  
• Experience working with large real-world datasets and scalable ML solutions.  
• Previous experience in e-commerce, retail and/or FMCG/Consumer Insight business.  
• Agile methodologies development (SCRUM or Scale Agile). 

Our Benefits

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

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.

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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