As an Applied Scientist, you will contribute to algorithmic research-driven software development in a logistics team. At Zalando, we process millions of customer orders every week and our systems make critical scheduling, planning, and routing decisions within our warehouses. Predictive warehousing allows us to preemptively take actions, which improve the warehouse efficiency by solving a stochastic optimization problem, at the crossroads of combinatorial optimization and data science. Our research pipeline enables fast incremental improvements which together with the scale of our decisions has a direct impact on the productivity of our warehouses.
INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN
At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit.
We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process.
do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy
Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-groups
WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)Contribute to the research, design, and implementation of algorithms and predictive models.
Deliver with the team end-to-end solutions, which includes research, prototyping, implementing production software, as well as testing and operating the highly available production system.
Influence our research and development methodologies to foster a scalable and data-driven architecture.
Support and coach other Applied Scientists by sharing your knowledge and expertise in applied research.
You hold a Master’s or PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or another quantitative field, ideally with real-world applications in the context of operational research and machine learning.
You demonstrate a practical and theoretical understanding of various algorithmic techniques (e.g., from combinatorics, graph theory, control theory), mathematical modeling (e.g., from operations research, statistics, experimentation), and machine learning approaches (e.g. forecasting, Bayesian networks).
You are passionate about solving interesting mathematical problems and seek more real-world impact.
Experience with software engineering related to microservice architecture or data processing is a plus.
Your strengths extend to your ability to effectively collaborate within an agile and cross-functional team environment, engaging with engineers, product owners, and fellow applied scientists.
Want to know what kind of problems you will be working on? You can find on this google doc a stochastic optimization problem that showcases an example. If you like solving mathematical puzzles, send us your solution instead of uploading a cover letter.
Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.
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: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us
Skills Required
- Master's or PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, or another quantitative field
- Practical and theoretical understanding of algorithmic techniques (e.g., combinatorics, graph theory, control theory)
- Expertise in mathematical modeling (operations research, statistics, experimentation)
- Knowledge of machine learning approaches (forecasting, Bayesian networks)
- Experience with software engineering related to microservice architecture or data processing
- Ability to collaborate effectively within an agile, cross-functional team
- Willingness and ability to support and coach other applied scientists
What We Do
Welcome to Zalando. Here’s some key info about us: Our position and vision: - We’re Europe’s leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle - Founded in Berlin in 2008, we bring head-to-toe fashion to more than 50 million active customers in 25 markets; offering clothes, footwear, accessories, and beauty - Our vision is to become The Starting Point For Fashion. Our offering: - Our assortment of international brands ranges from world-famous names to local labels - Our platform is a one-stop fashion destination for inspiration, innovation, and interaction - As Europe’s most fashionable tech company, we work hard to find digital solutions for every aspect of the fashion journey: for our customers, partners, and friends of our brand. - Our logistics network with 12 centrally located fulfillment centers allows us to efficiently serve our customers throughout Europe, supported by warehouses in Italy, France, Poland, and Sweden with a focus on local customer needs. Our beliefs: - Our ambition is to combine our passion for self-expression through fashion with our unwavering commitments to sustainability and D&I - We believe that our integration of fashion, operations, and online technology gives us the capability to deliver a compelling value proposition to both our customers and fashion brand partners.








