Machine Learning Scientist II - Central Machine Learning

About Us: At Booking.com, data drives our decisions. Technology is at our core. And innovation is everywhere. But our company is more than datasets, lines of code or A/B tests. We’re the thrill of the first night in a new place. The excitement of the next morning. The friends you encounter. The journeys you take. The sights you see. And the memories you make. Through our products, partners and people, we make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

Role Description: This role is based in Amsterdam. Understanding the needs and intentions of our travelers is a top priority for Booking. With millions of accommodations, flights, taxis, attractions, and car rentals on our platform, we help people around the world find the best fit for their journey. Customers may express their preferences directly through searches and filters, while we enhance our understanding of their needs by modeling behavioral patterns from interactions such as clicks and bookings. To power this personalization at scale, the User Intent Modelling team plays a central role within the Marketplace department, applying advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to understand traveler behavior and uncover intent, forming the foundation for more personalized and seamless journeys across the platform. As a Machine Learning Scientist, you will design and deliver cutting edge ML systems, from idea generation and gathering business requirements to implementation, driving innovations that shape the experience of millions of travelers. You will work closely with Machine Learning Scientists and Engineers, as well as Data Engineers, Software Engineers and Product Managers.

Key Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work in a multi-disciplinary team where you’ll take full ownership of turning discoveries and ideas into products through Machine Learning (incl. understanding product requirements, data discovery, model development and evaluation, to implementation of a full production pipeline for both batch and stream-based deployments).

• Use the ML model’s output to deliver both short-term commercial impact and longer-term differentiated business value and customer experience.

• Define and build proof-of-concepts to test new ideas and demonstrate their potential value to relevant stakeholders.

• Develop production-grade ML code for models, features, and pipelines, accounting for scalability, latency, realtime requirements, monitoring and retraining.

• Build readable and reusable code, using the right technologies and coding methodologies applying knowledge of business area tools and product needs.

• Continuously evolve your craft by keeping up to date with the latest developments in ML/AI and related technologies, and upskilling on these as needed.

• Actively contribute to Machine Learning at Booking.com through training, exploration of new technologies, interviewing, onboarding, and mentoring colleagues.

Qualifications & Skills:

• At least 4 years of relevant work experience. Experience in ranking, recommender systems, personalization, e-commerce, etc. is a plus.

• Masters, PhD, or equivalent experience in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, etc.).

• We prefer candidates with Deep Learning experience, especially when applied to large-scale datasets or sequential modelling. Experience with TensorFlow or PyTorch is a plus.

• Solid understanding of fundamental machine learning concepts, such as gradient boosting, neural networks, feature engineering, model evaluation, etc.

• Fluency in at least one programming language, with a strong preference for Python.

• Strong working knowledge of Spark and SQL.

• Experience with putting Machine Learning models in production is a plus.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal; the ability to convey your message to team members and other stakeholders.

Benefits & Perks - Global Impact, Personal Relevance:

Booking.com’s Total Rewards Philosophy is not only about compensation but also about benefits. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well unique-to-Booking.com benefits which include:

• 
  Annual paid time off and generous paid leave scheme including: parental (22-weeks paid leave), grandparent, bereavement, and care leave

• Hybrid working including flexible working arrangements, working from home furniture and ergonomic support, and up to 20 days per year working from abroad (home country)

• A beautiful sustainable HQ Campus in Amsterdam, that offers on-site meals, coffee, and snacks, multi-faith and breastfeeding rooms at the office*

• Commuting allowance and bike reimbursement scheme

• Discounts & Wallet credits to spend on our products, upgrade to Booking.com Genius Level 3, and friends & family Booking.com discount vouchers

• Free access to online learning platforms, development and mentorship programs

• Global Employee Assistance Program, free Headspace membership

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Booking.com:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion have been a core part of our company culture since day one. This ongoing journey starts with our very own employees, who represent over 140 nationalities and a wide range of ethnic and social backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations.

Take it from our Chief People Officer, Paulo Pisano: “At Booking.com, the diversity of our people doesn’t just build an outstanding workplace, it also creates a better and more inclusive travel experience for everyone. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a place where you can make your mark and have a real impact in travel and tech.”

We ensure that colleagues with disabilities are provided the adjustments and tools they need to participate in the job application and interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Application Process

• Let’s go places together: How we Hire

• The interview process entails an initial screen by one of our Recruiters, and a total of 3 Business interviews (including a take home business case).

• This role does not come with relocation assistance.

Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to move well beyond traditional equal opportunity and work to create an environment that allows everyone to thrive.