Principal Data Scientist | Media Measurement (MM)

NIQ’s Media unit delivers audience measurement solutions across TV, radio, digital, and cross-media platforms for currency clientele, including broadcasters, advertisers, agencies, and regulators. A core component of our measurement approach is panel-based methodologies, leveraging household and individual panels to ensure accurate, representative audience insights. Census data is integrated across several solutions to further enhance measurement quality.

Job Description

As a Principal Data Scientist, you shape high‑impact, client‑relevant Data Science concepts and ensure strategic coherence across teams and domains. This role is a perfect playground for highly experienced, concept‑driven minds who enjoy influencing direction, clarifying complexity, and shaping how Data Science creates value at scale.

You will work on analytics, Data Science and AI topics across our Media pillar, including Media Measurement, Audience Activation, and Performance. The focus of the role is strongly conceptual and influence‑heavy: from innovation seeds and scalable target pictures to client pitches, tenders, and strategic roadmaps.

You ensure that high‑impact Data Science initiatives across currency and outcome products are well‑framed, feasible, client‑relevant, and decision‑ready before they enter delivery structures, reducing conceptual noise while increasing business impact.

Responsibilities

Shape and contribute to the strategic alignment and prioritization of cross‑cutting Data Science topics across our Media unit; Define clear concepts and target pictures for high‑impact initiatives, bridging currency and outcome use cases; Identify conceptual risks and unrealistic assumptions early; Ensure scientific rigor, feasibility, and client relevance; Shape decisions on delivery readiness, spikes, and prioritization; Support clear steering decisions; Contribute to client pitches, tenders, and growth initiatives; Support market expansion; Ensure concepts scale across markets and media contexts while remaining compatible with existing currency principles; Create Data Science value narratives; Provide 'Why this matters' framing; Develop concepts and whitepapers for delivery teams; Consultancy on solution readiness and prioritization; Mentor and guide other Data Scientists, supporting their professional growth and conceptual thinking; Provide senior technical and methodological guidance across teams without direct people management responsibility; Act as a role model for high-quality Data Science thinking, communication, and stakeholder interaction

Requirements

Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field; 8–10+ years of Data Science experience; Advanced statistical, ML and AI expertise; Strong background in the Media domain, or demonstrable experience working in complex industry measurement contexts; Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape cross‑team Data Science initiatives across currency and outcome

Benefits

Flexible working environment; Volunteer time off; LinkedIn Learning; Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)