Lead Applied Data Scientist - Search Ranking (applied ML, LLMs, NLP)

Experteer Overview As a Lead Data Scientist in Target's Search and Browse team, you drive the design and deployment of predictive AI to power a high-quality retail search experience. You will work with cross-functional partners to solve business problems at scale, shaping data-driven products and AI pipelines. You'll experiment with cutting-edge ML, NLP, and LLM techniques to improve search relevance and user experience. This role offers mentorship, collaboration, and the chance to influence Target's digital ecosystem at scale. Compensation / Benefits * Develop and deploy scalable deep learning models to improve search quality * Leverage LLMs and agentic technologies to enhance ecommerce search * Architect large-scale AI systems with test-driven development * Build NLP capabilities for query/document analysis and understanding * Create data pipelines for feature/label extraction and generation * Analyze data to identify opportunities and improve models * Conduct research to advance ML, LLM, and NLP technologies * Operate and improve AI pipelines and infrastructure * Adopt Target's platforms and operationalize tools and systems * Mentor engineers to deliver business-focused software * Collaborate with product and business teams to define and scope solutions * Follow agile methodologies and document technical work * Maintain cutting-edge systems and technologies Tasks * PhD or MS in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or equivalent * Research or industry experience in search indexing, information retrieval or ranking * Experience with NLP, LLMs, agentic systems or large-scale recommendation systems * 5+ years deploying machine learning algorithms into production with strong ML Ops * Proficiency in Python or Java with strong coding skills * Hands-on modeling experience using Python * Experience deploying ML models in production in high-traffic environments * Experience querying large databases with SQL, HQL, or equivalents * Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for global collaboration * Self-driven, results-oriented with strong ownership and judgment * Collaborative team player focused on continuous learning and reliable AI systems Key requirements * comprehensive health benefits * 401(k) * employee discount * short-term disability * paid sick leave * paid vacation

ML, LLM, and NLP technologies * Operate and improve AI pipelines and infrastructure * Adopt Target's platforms and operationalize tools and systems * Mentor engineers to deliver business-focused software * Collaborate with product and business teams to define and scope solutions * Follow agile methodologies and document technical work * Maintain cutting-edge systems and technologies Tasks * PhD or MS in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or equivalent * Research or industry experience in search indexing, information retrieval or ranking * Experience with NLP, LLMs, agentic systems or large-scale recommendation systems * 5+ years deploying machine learning algorithms into production with strong ML Ops * Proficiency in Python or Java with strong coding skills * Hands-on modeling experience using Python * Experience deploying ML models in production in high-traffic environments * Experience querying large databases with SQL, HQL, or equivalents * Exceptional aaa pipelines. and communication skills for global collaboration * Self-driven, results-oriented with strong ownership and judgment * Collaborative team player focused on continuous learning and reliable AI systems Key requirements * comprehensive health benefits * 401(k) * employee discount * short-term disability * paid sick leave * paid vacation