Senior Data Scientist - AI Search Team

About the Role

We're hiring a Senior Data Scientist for our AI Search Team to work remotely and help shape how millions of travelers discover and compare hotels on our platform. As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll leverage your expertise to enhance our AI-powered search capabilities, ensuring that trivago remains the obvious choice for travelers.

What You'll Do

• Analyze large datasets to uncover hidden patterns and share actionable insights that inform strategic decisions about search quality and user behavior.
• Build and productionize algorithms using advanced techniques such as predictive modeling, statistical modeling, machine learning, or deep learning to solve complex search and ranking challenges.
• Design and implement scalable search architectures integrating semantic retrieval, query understanding, and Learning-to-Rank algorithms with production-ready performance.
• Drive the implementation of ML solutions end-to-end, from concept to production deployment, ensuring robustness and reliability at scale.
• Perform quality checks for the work of less experienced data scientists, provide constructive feedback, and share knowledge and best practices across the unit.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to deliver ML systems that impact millions of travelers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in search, information retrieval, NLP, machine learning, or deep learning with demonstrated product impact.
• Deep expertise in semantic search technologies including query understanding, embedding-based retrieval with vector databases, and Learning-to-Rank methodologies.
• Proficiency with LLMs and transformer architectures (BERT, T5, GPT) including fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and application to search use cases.
• Strong Python and SQL skills with hands-on experience using ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or HuggingFace.
• Solid foundation in statistics with proven ability to design, execute, and analyze large-scale A/B tests and apply causal inference methods.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to explain complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders and mentor junior team members.
• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Information Retrieval, Natural Language Processing, Recommender Systems, or a closely related field.

Nice to Have

• Experience in the travel industry or related fields.
• Familiarity with cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Knowledge of additional programming languages (Java, Scala).

What We Offer

• Comprehensive relocation packages to help you move and settle in your new role.
• Self-determined vacation with a minimum of 25 vacation days.
• Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely from different locations within Germany or selected countries abroad for up to 20 days per year.
• Access to a fully-equipped campus library, workshops, educational meetups, and conferences.
• Visa support from our talent support team and interest-free newcomer loans.
• Regular team and company-wide events to build experiences together.
• Free access to the Heycare platform for personalized nanny assistance and an on-campus kids room.
• Daily canteen budget, complimentary snacks and drinks, and fitness options with on-site gym and sports classes.