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- Tasks: Lead R&D of machine learning models for demand forecasting and scheduling.
- Company: High-growth AI scale-up transforming the hospitality industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, private health insurance, and free lunches.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact with your research in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in relevant fields and expert Python skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of AI in hospitality.
We are working with a high-growth AI scale-up that is fundamentally changing how the hospitality industry operates. They have built a unique, flexible workforce model that supports some of the UK’s most famous high-street brands. Now, they are layering advanced Artificial Intelligence on top of that operational base to build a "staffing engine" that is unlike anything else in the market.
Their product uses multi-year proprietary data to forecast demand and automatically generate optimal staff rotas, allowing businesses to run lean core teams and scale up exactly when needed. This technology is already being used by over 4,000 sites across the UK, and the company is well-funded and preparing for international expansion.
This is a rare opportunity to join a 50-person team where you can see your research directly impact the real world. You won’t just be writing papers; you will be building the "brain" behind a platform that manages millions of hours of labour for major global brands.
You will join the Data team as a Senior Researcher, taking ownership of the core algorithms that drive the platform’s decision-making. While the engineering team focuses on infrastructure and deployment, your focus will be on the mathematical and theoretical models that solve complex logistical problems—specifically around demand forecasting and combinatorial optimization.
You will be working with messy, real-world data to create sophisticated models that can predict human behaviour and business needs with high accuracy. You will have the freedom to experiment with new architectures and techniques, bridging the gap between academic research and production-grade software.
This role suits someone who loves difficult mathematical puzzles and wants to work in a fast-paced, "pragmatic research" environment. You will work closely with the leadership team to define the future of the product’s intelligence capabilities.
Key Responsibilities- Core Algorithm R&D: Lead the research and development of novel machine learning models for time-series forecasting and demand prediction.
- Optimization Solvers: Design and implement algorithms to solve complex scheduling and resource allocation problems (e.g., generating the "perfect" rota).
- Model Innovation: Experiment with state-of-the-art techniques (e.g., Deep Learning, Transformers, Bayesian methods) to improve accuracy and robustness.
- Data Strategy: Work with proprietary and public datasets to uncover new features and signals that improve model performance.
- Production Readiness: Collaborate with ML Engineers to ensure your research models can be scaled and deployed efficiently into a high-traffic production environment.
- Mentorship: Act as a technical authority within the team, guiding junior data scientists and shaping the research culture.
- Academic Background: Strong foundation in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or Physics (PhD or MSc preferred).
- Research Expertise: Deep understanding of Machine Learning theory, specifically in areas like Time-Series Forecasting, Probabilistic Modelling, or Combinatorial Optimization.
- Technical Proficiency: Expert-level Python skills with deep experience in libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn.
- Problem Solving: A track record of applying theoretical concepts to solve messy, real-world business problems.
- Communication: Ability to explain complex mathematical concepts to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., Ops or Commercial teams).
- Bonus: Experience with "Human-in-the-loop" systems or workforce management logic.
- Highly Competitive Salary
- Significant Early-stage Equity Options
- Private Health Insurance
- Social, pet-friendly office in London
- Free catered lunches and office snacks
If you think you are a good match, drop over your CV and if we think you are a good match we will give you a shout!
Senior Machine Learning Researcher | AI Hospitality Platform | London, Hybrid | Up to £200,000+ E... employer: Owen Thomas | Pending B CorpTM
Contact Detail:
Owen Thomas | Pending B CorpTM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Machine Learning Researcher | AI Hospitality Platform | London, Hybrid | Up to £200,000+ E...
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your machine learning projects, especially those related to time-series forecasting or optimisation. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Be ready to tackle real-world scenarios and explain your thought process clearly. Practising with mock interviews can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Machine Learning Researcher | AI Hospitality Platform | London, Hybrid | Up to £200,000+ E...
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Machine Learning Researcher role. Highlight your expertise in machine learning, especially in areas like time-series forecasting and combinatorial optimization, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about AI in the hospitality industry. Share specific examples of how your research has made an impact and how you can contribute to our unique staffing engine.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love candidates who can tackle messy, real-world problems. Include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical challenges, especially in machine learning.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Owen Thomas | Pending B CorpTM
✨Know Your Algorithms
Brush up on the core algorithms related to time-series forecasting and combinatorial optimization. Be ready to discuss your previous work with these models and how they can be applied to real-world problems in the hospitality industry.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled messy, real-world data challenges in the past. Highlight your thought process and the impact your solutions had on business outcomes, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex mathematical concepts in simple terms. You might need to convey your ideas to non-technical stakeholders, so being able to break down your research into digestible pieces is key.
✨Be Ready to Experiment
Demonstrate your willingness to explore new architectures and techniques. Discuss any innovative approaches you've taken in your research and how you envision applying them to improve model performance in this role.
