Research Scientist – Generative AI & Applied Research

Location: Valladolid, es

Company Description

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. By embracing our diversity, we inspire each other to excel and create a lasting impact through our work and the people we collaborate with. 

Job Description

We are looking for a hands-on Research Scientist with 6+ years of experience, strong machine learning fundamentals, and deep expertise in applied research methodology and evaluation. The role is focused on solving real business problems using Generative AI, building on strong ML fundamentals.

You will work closely with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to understand problems, design experiments, evaluate GenAI-based solutions, and recommend practical approaches that can be scaled.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring: 

• 6+ years of experience in applied ML / AI roles
• Strong ML fundamentals, especially in experimentation design, evaluation, metrics, and error analysis
• Proven expertise in applied research methodology: hypothesis-driven work, controlled experiments, and clear conclusions
• Strong Python coding skills and ability to build fast, clean prototypes
• Hands-on experience with Generative AI and LLM-based systems (prompting, RAG-style solutions, evaluation of outputs)
• Experience with semantic search, embeddings, and vector databases
• Ability to translate business problems into GenAI solutions, not just models
• Strong problem understanding and critical thinking skills
• Comfortable working with stakeholders, explaining results, trade-offs, and limitations
• Team player with a collaborative, pragmatic mindset
• Strong focus on GenAI, grounded in solid ML principles

What We Value:

• A curious mindset and strong critical thinking to tackle complex problems and recommend well-reasoned solutions. 
• Ability to ask the right questions to fully understand challenges and communicate scientific results in clear, general terms. 
• Proven collaboration with junior engineers and researchers, and strong interpersonal skills to work across teams. 

Additional Information

Our Benefits

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

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

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.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

Want to keep up with our latest updates?

Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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 https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion