The role
This role is open for an Applied Scientist or Senior Applied Scientist level. We'll assess your experience, skills, and demonstrated capability during the process to confirm the right level.
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
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.
Skills Required
- Expert-level hands-on skills in an applied science domain
- Track record of taking research from theory to real-world deployment
- Strong foundation in probability, linear algebra, and calculus
- Strong software engineering fundamentals
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Experience mentoring colleagues and growing technical capabilities
- Hands-on experience with large language models and their surrounding harnesses
- Understanding of current large language model limitations
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, coordinate dependencies, and manage project risks
Xero Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — U.S. materials cite about 21 days PTO, 10 wellbeing days, five Xtra days, a volunteer day, and 12 paid holidays, plus an end‑of‑year shutdown. Company descriptions position this package toward the upper tier among midsize/large tech employers in the U.S. market.
-
Parental & Family Support — Primary caregivers are described as eligible for up to 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with partner leave in some markets. Family‑forming support via Carrot and access to Modern Health for employees and immediate family reinforce depth in this area.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Access to Modern Health, a funded ThrivePass wellbeing account (U.S.), and flexible/hybrid work are emphasized as part of a broader wellbeing strategy alongside ERGs and “Boost Day” events. Feedback suggests these programs contribute meaningfully to work‑life balance.
Xero Insights
What We Do
Xero is small business accounting software that provides a platform on which businesses can build a fully integrated solution. It’s designed to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. Xero minimises tedious admin by automating routine tasks, delivers valuable insights when needed, and brings together business data, trusted advisors, and powerful apps in one intuitive platform. By alleviating pain points, Xero empowers small business owners to supercharge their business, simplifying the complex and freeing up time from manual admin so they can focus on what really matters to build the business they’ve always envisaged.
Why Work With Us
Xero is a human-centric organization where you’ll have a tangible impact on the success of small businesses and their communities, globally. Our team of energised, forward-thinkers work to make life better for our customers and each other every day. We’re also always committed to supporting you with a flexible environment.
Gallery
Xero Teams
Xero Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Join us from home or at one of our beautiful workspaces. Xero has offices in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.
