Data Scientist (Python)

We are hiring a Data Scientist to lead strategic data product development with a strong focus on Python, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI application in global labor markets. This is a client-facing role based in Amsterdam with a social mission.

Welcome to SkillLab

At SkillLab, we envision a world where everyone has a pathway to employment. We enable and lead a radical change - a transition towards skill-based labor and education markets. Our AI-driven technology creates more inclusive and efficient markets by connecting people with jobs and education through the universal language of skills. SkillLab is working with employment and career services in 35+ countries and seeks to transform labor and education markets globally.

SkillLab’s innovative use of AI was recognised with awards like Google AI for Impact, UNESCO Top 10 uses of AI and the European Social Innovation Competition 2021, among other awards.

Your responsibilities

• Strategic Communication: Lead discussions with internal and external stakeholders to define project goals and success criteria. Translate technical findings into strategic recommendations and present insights to both internal stakeholders and clients.

• Data Product Ownership: Own key data products. Gather and prioritize requirements from clients, define feature sets, and collaborate with project managers and product teams to ensure successful delivery.

• Client & Business Partnership: Act as the data science expert in client-facing engagements. Partner with project managers and business teams to scope projects, develop data-driven proposals, and ensure our technical solutions meet client needs and strategic objectives.

• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Apply a wide range of data science and NLP techniques to solve complex business problems. Serve as a subject matter expert on the application of data science to labour markets, providing guidance across the organization and mentoring junior team members.

Skills

• 4+ years of experience in a data science or related role, with a proven track record of delivering business impact.

• Proficiency in Python and its data science ecosystem (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy).

• Demonstrated experience in Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and libraries (e.g., spaCy, NLTK, Hugging Face Transformers).

• Strong proficiency with SQL for complex data extraction, transformation, and analysis.

• Proven experience in a client-facing or consulting role, with the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Solid understanding of machine learning concepts (from classic models to deep learning to GenerativeAI) and practical experience applying them to solve business problems.

• Experience with data product development, including requirements gathering.

• Experience with BI and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker.

• Experience leading data science projects from conception to deployment.

Extra awesome

• Proficiency in Arabic.

• Experience working with taxonomies or knowledge graphs.

• Experience working with labour market data such as occupations, skills and qualifications.

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure) and their AI/ML services.

Salary & start-date

• We use a salary benchmark for the Dutch high-tech sector to set your salary based on your experience. We expect that the annual gross salary for the experience we are looking for ranges from 60k-70k € per year.

• We accept applications on a rolling basis, and we envision a start date as soon as possible.

Benefits

• You will enjoy 25 paid vacation days per year (20 days as the statutory minimum holiday entitlement in the Netherlands plus 5 extra days from SkillLab).

• You can work flexibly from our office in Amsterdam and home within the Netherlands. You can also extend your holiday stay in a different country and work from abroad for a limited period of time.

• You will get an extensive relocation support to move to Amsterdam including visa sponsorship, 30% ruling application, your plane tickets, covered real estate agent fees, etc.

• You will have a personal learning budget to invest in your professional development.

• You will have access to mentors & coaches (SkillLab is part of the Google for Startups SDG accelerator).

• You will have access to a monthly flexible budget of benefits via Alleo app. You can spend this budget on a large selection of providers, ranging from gym memberships to bike subscriptions and online stores.

• You will join our bi-annual company offsite retreats in different locations like Belgium, the Netherlands etc.

What else to know

• This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and may be subject to change based on the organization's requirements and priorities.

• Get 4 tips for your job application at SkillLab: https://skilllab.io/en-us/news/skilllabjobapplication

• Read more about our compensation framework: https://skilllab.io/en-us/news/skilllab-compensation

• Learn more about SkillLab’s social life: https://skilllab.io/en-us/news/social-life-at-skilllab

• SkillLab is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion at the workplace. We welcome applications of candidates from all backgrounds. Read more about DEI: https://skilllab.io/en-us/news/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-skilllab