Principal Data Scientist in London

Principal Data Scientist in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead advanced pricing optimisation and experimentation to solve complex problems.
  • Company: Join World of Books, a mission-driven B-Corp focused on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Influential role with no line management and a collaborative culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact while working on planet-positive challenges.
  • Qualifications: Deep experience in data science, expert in Python and SQL.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of data science.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

At World of Books, we’re on a mission to become the Planet’s Bookstore — helping people read more while wasting less. As a certified B-Corp and a £200m+ global ecommerce business, data science sits at the heart of how we price millions of books sustainably and profitably.

We’re now looking for a Principal Data Scientist to play a critical technical leadership role in shaping how advanced modelling and experimentation are applied to pricing at scale.

The Role

This is a senior individual contributor role (no people management), focused on solving complex, high-impact pricing problems through experimentation, causal inference and applied machine learning. You’ll work closely with our Data Science Manager, engineers and commercial leaders, acting as a technical authority and mentor while remaining hands-on.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading advanced pricing optimisation, elasticity modelling and experimentation
  • Designing and evaluating A/B tests, bandits and quasi-experiments
  • Building and deploying production-grade models with strong observability
  • Setting practical standards for modelling, experimentation and DS workflows
  • Mentoring senior and mid-level data scientists through review and example
  • Advising stakeholders on trade-offs between rigour, speed and business value
  • Identifying future high-value data science use cases beyond pricing

What We’re Looking For

  • Deep experience applying data science in commercial environments (pricing, ecommerce or marketplaces ideal)
  • Expert Python and strong SQL
  • Advanced knowledge of statistics, ML and causal inference
  • Proven experience deploying and iterating on models in production
  • Ability to influence through expertise and communicate clearly with senior stakeholders
  • Pragmatic, outcome-focused mindset with comfort in ambiguity

Why Join World of Books?

  • Work on meaningful, planet-positive problems at global scale
  • A true Principal IC role with influence but no line management
  • Partner closely with an experienced DS Manager who owns strategy and prioritisation
  • Help shape how data science is practised in a growing, evolving organisation
  • Be part of a mission-driven, collaborative and inclusive culture

Interested? If you’re a senior data scientist who thrives on complex problems, hands-on technical leadership and real-world impact — we’d love to hear from you. World of Books is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

Principal Data Scientist in London employer: World of Books

At World of Books, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven employer that empowers our employees to tackle meaningful, planet-positive challenges in the world of ecommerce. Our collaborative and inclusive culture fosters professional growth, allowing you to influence data science practices while working alongside experienced leaders in a dynamic environment. Join us to make a real impact as we strive to become the Planet’s Bookstore, all while enjoying the benefits of a certified B-Corp committed to sustainability.
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Contact Detail:

World of Books Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Data Scientist in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at World of Books. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your data science projects, especially those related to pricing optimisation or machine learning. This will help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your Python and SQL skills, and be ready to tackle technical questions or coding challenges. We want to see how you think and solve problems on the spot.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Scientist in London

Advanced Pricing Optimisation
Elasticity Modelling
Experimentation Design
A/B Testing
Bandit Algorithms
Quasi-Experiments
Production-Grade Model Deployment
Observability in Models
Data Science Workflows
Mentoring Data Scientists
Stakeholder Communication
Python
SQL
Statistics
Machine Learning
Causal Inference

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Data Scientist. Highlight your experience in pricing optimisation and data science in commercial environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at World of Books!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for data science and how it can help us become the Planet’s Bookstore. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise in machine learning and causal inference.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for deep experience in Python and SQL, so make sure to highlight any relevant projects or achievements. If you’ve built production-grade models or led A/B tests, let us know! We love seeing hands-on experience.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at World of Books

✨Know Your Data Science Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your data science fundamentals, especially around pricing optimisation and causal inference. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, showcasing how you've applied advanced modelling techniques in real-world scenarios.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some deep dives into Python and SQL during the interview. Practise coding challenges and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly. It’s not just about getting the right answer; they want to see how you approach problems.

✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills

Since this role involves mentoring other data scientists, think of examples where you've guided others or shared your expertise. Highlight your ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand.

✨Understand Their Mission

Familiarise yourself with World of Books' mission to become the Planet’s Bookstore. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals, particularly in sustainable pricing strategies and data-driven decision-making.

Principal Data Scientist in London
World of Books
Location: London
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  • Principal Data Scientist in London

    London
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)
  • W

    World of Books

    200-500
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