Senior Applied Scientist - Logistics Algorithms (all genders)

About The Team

As a Senior Applied Scientist, you will drive algorithmic research‑driven software development in a logistics team. At Zalando, we process millions of customer orders each week and our systems make critical scheduling, planning, and routing decisions within our warehouses. Predictive warehousing allows us to take actions that improve warehouse efficiency by solving stochastic optimization problems at the intersection of combinatorial optimization and data science. Our research pipeline enables fast incremental improvements that directly impact warehouse productivity.

Inclusive By Design

We do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. We assess candidates only on their qualifications and merit.

Responsibilities

• Drive the research, design, and implementation of algorithms and predictive models.
• Deliver end‑to‑end solutions and set the bar for the entire development cycle, including research, prototyping, production implementation, testing, and operation of highly available systems.
• Influence research and development methodologies to foster a scalable and data‑driven architecture.
• Support and coach other Applied Scientists by sharing knowledge and expertise in applied research.

Qualifications

• Hold a Master’s or PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or a quantitative field, with industry experience in algorithm‑related software development in Java, Kotlin, Python, or similar.
• Hands‑on experience translating industry problems into mathematical models and solving them with state‑of‑the‑art methods.
• Expertise in at least one advanced algorithmic technique (e.g., combinatorics, graph theory, control theory), mathematical modelling (e.g., operations research, statistics, experimentation), or machine learning (e.g., forecasting, Bayesian networks).
• Proven record of at least six years of applied research experience and high autonomy in translating business cases into mathematical problems.
• Strong collaboration within an agile, cross‑functional team, engaging with engineers, product owners, and fellow applied scientists.

Benefits

• Employee shares program
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
• 27 days of vacation a year to start
• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
• Family services, including counseling and support
• Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)
• Mental health support and coaching available

Learn all about Zalando and our values here