Senior Research Scientist (Applied Research - Agentic AI, SLMs & GenAI Research)

Location: Madrid/Barca/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. 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

Job Description

Focus: Researching agentic AI capabilities and Small Language Models (SLMs), with emphasis on experimentation, modeling strategy, validation methods, and maturing approaches beyond proof of concept toward robust, reusable patterns.

Core Requirements:

• Strong background in applied machine learning / AI research
• Deep hands-on experience with GenAI systems and architectures
• Experience with Small Language Model (SLM) fine-tuning and adaptation
• Strong understanding of agentic AI concepts, including multi-step reasoning, tool use, orchestration, or workflow-based model behavior
• Strong grounding in classical machine learning as well as modern deep learning approaches
• Ability to design rigorous experiments and evaluate novel AI system behavior
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders in English

Nice to Have:

• Understanding of scalable AI/ML system design and implementation realities
• Familiarity with deployment-oriented thinking for GenAI solutions
• Experience building or evaluating multi-component AI systems beyond single-model use cases
• Experience with reusable research patterns that can transition into practical application
• Exposure to model efficiency, optimization, or performance trade-offs

Qualifications

Required: Python, PyTorch, Transformers
Preferred: Hugging Face ecosystem, agentic AI / orchestration frameworks, evaluation frameworks, fine-tuning pipelines, scalable ML platforms
Not Required: Deep software engineering specialization or advanced stakeholder management experience

Role Emphasis:

• Heavy focus on applied research in agentic AI capabilities and SLM-based solutions
• Drives experimentation, modeling strategy, and validation methods in this area
• Helps mature agentic approaches beyond early PoCs into more robust and repeatable patterns
• Contributes to the research direction of the applied ML/AI research team through hands-on exploration and technical leadership
• Works with others in the team to ensure promising research directions remain realistic and transferable

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

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

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