Data Scientist

Job Title: Data Scientist Location: Grand Rapids, MI(Hybrid) About VLink: Started in 2006 and headquartered in Connecticut, VLink is one of the fastest growing digital technology services and consulting companies. Since its inception, our innovative team members have been solving the most complex business, and IT challenges of our global clients. Top Skills' Details: Ability to build custom algorithms from scratch (not just packages) 6+ years of Python, Databricks, Azure ML, SQL while handing large data sets Execute personalization strategies Come from a retail background Job Description: Team & Product Content: New data science team focused on improving Clients weekly promotions and digital product experiences. Work includes supporting: Weekly promo content Digital carousel products on Client website/app Retail Media Network (RMN) initiatives (onsite + offsite/social) Personalized marketing such as tailored emails and targeted content Strong focus on automating creative packages for Clients private‐label brands. Problem Spaces & Use Cases: Automating product descriptions and identifying product content anomalies, especially within soft lines (apparel, home goods). Developing automation that adapts across: General Merchandise (GM) Grocery Soft lines (Different product types → different automation strategies.) Building models that determine: Which customers respond best to specific marketing content Which content types drive engagement in weekly ads, RMN campaigns, and email personalization Supporting product recommendation logic for digital carousels Team Structure: Team has multiple senior-level members. High priority within organization (high stack ranking). Expected team size: 6–8 members. Mostly onsite, highly collaborative environment. Technical Skill Focus: Strong expertise in Python. Hands-on experience with: Model development Marketing mix models Recommendation systems Promo/weekly ad modeling Content automation and NLP Additional Skills & Qualifications Advanced Degree (MA/MS, PhD) in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or related quantitative field Certifications: Azure Data Science Associate, Azure AI, Safe Agile 6+ years of relevant data science experience in an applied role – preferable w/in retail, logistics, supply chain or Client. Advanced and hands on experience using: Python, Databricks, Azure ML, Azure Cognitive Service, SAS, R, SQL, PySpark, Numpy, Pandas, Scikit Learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, AutoTS, Prophet, NLTK Experience with Azure Cloud technologies including Azure DevOps, Azure Synapse, MLOps, GitHub Solid experience working with large datasets and developing ML/AI systems such as: natural language processing, speech/text/image recognition, supervised and unsupervised learning models, forecasting and/or econometric time series models Proactive and action oriented Ability to collaborate with, and present to internal and external partners Able to learn company systems, processes and tools, and identify opportunities to improve Detail oriented and organized Ability to meet production deadlines Strong communications, interpersonal and organizational skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Understanding of intellectual property rights, compliance and enforcement Employment Practices: EEO, ADA, FMLA Compliant VLink is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Applicant information will be handled in accordance with VLink's privacy policy.