Senior Data Scientist (Search)

About the role

Emerging Travel Group is a global travel-tech company focused on enhancing online booking platforms. The Senior Data Scientist will manage end-to-end machine learning projects, working closely with data engineers and analysts to develop and deploy models that improve search functionalities.

Success in this role involves not only technical expertise in machine learning and data analysis but also collaboration with a supportive team. The position offers flexibility in schedules and a culture that encourages personal and professional growth, aiming to innovate within the travel industry.

The salary range for this position is between $115,000 and $195,500, reflecting the seniority and expertise required.

Skills that matter here

• Python: This role requires production-grade Python coding for model deployment and integration.
• ML: The candidate will manage machine learning projects, focusing on feature engineering and model quality.
• DL: Experience with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow is essential for developing advanced models.
• SQL: Proficiency in SQL is necessary for building and managing datasets.
• Airflow: Knowledge of orchestration tools like Airflow is important for managing data pipelines.
• MLflow: Experience with MLflow or similar tools is needed for experiment tracking and model management.

Who this role suits

• A candidate with a strong background in data science, particularly in search and recommendation systems.
• Someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and values team support.
• An individual who is adaptable and enjoys continuous learning and professional development.
• A data-driven thinker who is comfortable managing projects from conception through to deployment and support.

From the employer

• Manage end-to-end ML projects: problem definition → solution → testing → deployment → support.
• Work with data engineers to build datasets and define data requirements, and assess feasibility, risks, and constraints.
• Work with data analysts to design and analyze A/B tests: metrics, splits, interpretation of results, and recommendations for deploying solutions.
• Develop and train models (classic ML + DL), including solutions for text and image embeddings; conduct offline evaluation and error analysis.
• Deploy the model and code to production (Python service), support releases and integrations.
• Be responsible for model quality post-launch: metrics, monitoring, drift/degradation, improvement plans, and support procedures.

• 4+ years of experience as a Data Scientist (with specific experience in search / ranking / recommendations tasks).
• Experience managing end-to-end ML projects in production (from setup to support).
• Excellent understanding of classical ML: feature engineering, boosting, classification/regression, cross-validation, threshold selection, calibration.
• Experience with DL (PyTorch/TensorFlow): understanding of fine-tuning principles and model inference.
• Python (production-grade): readable code, tests for critical components, understanding of model/artifact packaging and service integration.
• Understanding of ML monitoring: quality metrics, drift, alerts, diagnostics, and support procedures.
• SQL proficiency sufficient for independent dataset building (joins, window functions).
• Experience with model interpretability and error analysis.
• MLflow / W&B / DVC or similar experiment tracking tools.
• Orchestration/pipelines (Airflow/Prefect/Dagster) and advanced data processing.

• Flexible schedules and opportunity to work remotely;
• Ambitious and supportive team who love what they do, appreciate each other, and grow together;
• Internal programs for adaptation and training, development of soft skills, and leadership abilities;
• Partial compensation for participating in external training and conferences;
• Corporate English school: Group and individual lessons, speaking clubs with colleagues from all over the world;
• Corporate prices on hotels and travel services;
• MyTime Day Off - an extra non-working day without loss of compensation.