Job Description

As a Principal Data Scientist, you shape high‑impact, client‑relevant Data Science concepts and ensure strategic coherence across teams and domains. This role is a perfect playground for highly experienced, concept‑driven minds who enjoy influencing direction, clarifying complexity, and shaping how Data Science creates value at scale. 

You will work on analytics, Data Science and AI topics across our Media pillar, including Media Measurement, Audience Activation, and Performance. The focus of the role is strongly conceptual and influence‑heavy: from innovation seeds and scalable target pictures to client pitches, tenders, and strategic roadmaps. 

You ensure that high‑impact Data Science initiatives across currency and outcome products are well‑framed, feasible, client‑relevant, and decision‑ready before they enter delivery structures, reducing conceptual noise while increasing business impact. 

Job Responsibilities: 

Strategic & Conceptual Contribution 

• Shape and contribute to the strategic alignment and prioritization of cross‑cutting Data Science topics across our Media unit 
• Define clear concepts and target pictures for high‑impact initiatives, bridging currency and outcome use cases 
• Identify conceptual risks and unrealistic assumptions early 
• Ensure scientific rigor, feasibility, and client relevance 

Data Science Board Participation & Steering 

• Shape decisions on delivery readiness, spikes, and prioritization 
• Support clear steering decisions 

Client, Market & Growth Impact 

• Contribute to client pitches, tenders, and growth initiatives 
• Support market expansion 
• Ensure concepts scale across markets and media contexts while remaining compatible with existing currency principles 

Narrative & Guidance 

• Create Data Science value narratives 
• Provide 'Why this matters' framing 
• Develop concepts and whitepapers for delivery teams 
• Consultancy on solution readiness and prioritization 

Mentoring & Capability Building 

• Mentor and guide other Data Scientists, supporting their professional growth and conceptual thinking 
• Provide senior technical and methodological guidance across teams without direct people management responsibility 
• Act as a role model for high-quality Data Science thinking, communication, and stakeholder interaction 

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field 
• 8–10+ years of Data Science experience 
• Advanced statistical, ML and AI expertise 
• Strong background in the Media domain, or demonstrable experience working in complex industry measurement contexts 
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape cross‑team Data Science initiatives across currency and outcome 

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion