Senior Applied Scientist

The role / impact

You will refine tough problems into elegant data-driven products and services by applying scientific thinking, algorithms, and analytical data processing. Immersion in complex, messy data will allow you to drive the rigorous application of scientific methods, leading applied research programs that underpin new product features.

By championing high coding standards and collaborating closely with cross-functional peers, your work will ensure that our models translate seamlessly from theory to real-world deployment. You will play a vital role in lifting the scientific competency across Xero, cultivating an environment of intellectual rigour, healthy skepticism, and mutual respect.

The team & how they connect

You will join a collaborative, cross-functional team of engineers, designers, and product owners dedicated to delivering intelligent services that delight small businesses. Operating within a broader global science community, this group balances business objectives with research demands to solve tangible real-world customer problems. Together, the team maps customer needs to appropriate machine learning frameworks, ensuring we use simple methods where they work and complex ones where needed.

The team is currently working on OR Initially, the role may focus on:

• Breaking down large business problems into manageable applied research tasks and managing risks within evolving research programs

• Writing testable, maintainable, and reusable code using Python or Scala to build robust data pipelines alongside engineering peers

• Developing and evaluating machine learning applications across domains such as NLP, computer vision, and Large Language Models

• Mapping business problems directly to machine learning domains to build, deploy, and monitor intelligent algorithms at scale

Where and how you can work

Xero offers a flexible hybrid working model designed to blend the collaboration of office life with the autonomy of remote work. You will have access to our modern office spaces, with expectations around office days and collaborative 'boost days' aligned to help your team connect and ship great code effectively.

Here are some of the things we're looking for, for this role:

• You will bring expert-level hands-on skills in an applied science domain, with a track record of taking research from theory to real-world deployment

• A strong foundation in probability, linear algebra, calculus, and software engineering fundamentals is essential for success

• Your exceptional written and verbal communication skills enable you to easily share complex findings with both technical collaborators and executive stakeholders

• Having a natural coaching mindset will allow you to successfully mentor colleagues and grow technical capabilities across the team

• Hands-on experience with LLMs, their surrounding harnesses, and a clear understanding of their current limitations

• The ability to comfortably navigate ambiguity, coordinate dependencies, and manage project risks within a cross-functional environment

Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.