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- Tasks: Join Tesco's Data Science team to solve real-life business problems using advanced analytical techniques.
- Company: Be part of Tesco, a leading retailer committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a range of health and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in data science while making a tangible impact on business operations.
- Qualifications: PhD students or postdocs with strong numerical skills and programming knowledge in Python or Java.
- Other info: Flexible start dates and mentorship support to help you thrive in your career.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About the role
The Tesco Data Science team are offering 12-week paid internships for PhD students within the team. The start date for each internship is flexible but must be between June and August 2026. At Tesco, our Data Science team focus on modelling complex business problems and deploying data products at scale. A key part of this is using Operational Research techniques to optimise automated processes and to support decision making. Our work spans across multiple areas including physical stores, online, supply chain, and last mile delivery.
This requires our Data Scientists to have an advanced understanding of advanced exact, heuristic, or metaheuristic algorithms and statistics. The team itself is made up of researchers and practitioners with varied backgrounds from both academia and the business world. As an intern, you will join the team and get hands-on experience of what it's like to be a Data Scientist at Tesco. You'll work with the team on helping us solve an exciting real-life problem. In addition to the technical mentorship and training provided by the team, we will also provide a personal mentor to help you get the most out of the internship. If that sounds exciting, then we'd love to hear from you! The position will be based in either our London (Farringdon) office or our Welwyn Garden City campus.
What is in it for you
- Annual bonus scheme of up to 10% of base salary
- Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
- 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 will be responsible for
This is a hands-on position where you will need to use an analytical approach to find solutions to complex problems. As a PhD Intern, you will work within the Data Science team, to understand difficult business problems and prototype solutions. A core component of the role is to translate business problems to operations research problems and then solve them. Our interns will need to be able to validate, document and present the modelling process and performances, as well as communicate complex solutions in a clear, understandable way to non-experts.
You will need
We are looking for ambitious PhD students (in their final or penultimate year) or Postdoctoral Researchers with a strong numerical background and a strong desire to pursue a career in data science. An ideal candidate will have a scientific mentality with the ability to ask the right questions, as well as answer them. Experience in one or more of the following fields would be ideal:
- Mathematical Programming (including Mixed Integer Linear Programming)
- Metaheuristics
- Stochastic Optimisation
- Simulation
Finally, good programming skills are essential (either Python or Java is preferred) and ideally some familiarity with SWE best practices (such as version control and unit testing).
About us
Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is 'Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day'. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, for the communities we are part of and for the planet. We are proud to have an inclusive culture at Tesco where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we not only celebrate diversity, but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued, and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We're proud to have been accredited Disability Confident Leader and we're committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
Operations Research Scientist Intern - Tesco employer: Tesco
Contact Detail:
Tesco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Research Scientist Intern - Tesco
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at Tesco on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can discuss algorithms and optimisation techniques confidently. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate with non-experts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for data science! During interviews, share personal projects or research that relate to operational research. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Tesco team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Research Scientist Intern - Tesco
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Operations Research Scientist Intern. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and projects that showcase your understanding of operational research techniques and data science.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this internship at Tesco and how your background aligns with the team's goals. Be genuine and let your passion for data science come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong programming skills, be sure to mention your experience with Python or Java. If you've worked on any relevant projects or used specific algorithms, don’t forget to include those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tesco
✨Know Your Algorithms
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of advanced algorithms, especially those related to operational research. Be ready to discuss how you've applied techniques like Mixed Integer Linear Programming or metaheuristics in your projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to present complex solutions to non-experts, practice explaining your work in simple terms. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can translate technical jargon into understandable concepts.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to showcase your analytical approach to problem-solving. Think of specific instances where you've tackled complex problems and be ready to walk the interviewers through your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Familiarise with Tesco's Values
Research Tesco’s core values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability and community service, as this will show your genuine interest in the company culture.