Senior Data Analyst – AI infrastructure

Would you like to be part of a global innovative team using the latest technologies to empower advanced analytical capabilities? Does driving AI innovation, developing efficient solutions, and delivering impactful insights for research intelligence excite you?

About the Team

As a leading international provider of high-quality bibliometric and research evaluation services, the Analytical and Data Services (ADS) team helps position Elsevier as a trusted partner of leading institutions, funders, and governments it serves.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Data Analyst to take a leading role in advancing our AI initiatives and strengthening our data infrastructure. This role focuses on driving innovation through applied AI and machine learning, with an emphasis on efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. You will oversee and guide the technical development work of colleagues, taking the lead on R&D efforts, proof-of-concepts, and the introduction of new AI-driven methods into production workflows.

This is a hands-on role where you will design and test novel approaches, work closely with other analysts and data scientists, and ensure our research intelligence capabilities remain cutting edge. While not a management position, you will act as the lead technical expert, shaping direction and ensuring best practices are followed across initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, prototyping, and implementation of AI and machine learning initiatives, focusing on cost efficiency, scalability, and real-world applicability.
• Conduct R&D and proof-of-concepts to test emerging AI technologies and evaluate their potential for research intelligence.
• Guide and oversee the development work of other analysts, ensuring alignment with best practices and project goals.
• Build and optimize advanced data workflows, leveraging Python, PySpark, DuckDB, and SQL databases.
• Drive the adoption of new methodologies and analytical approaches, translating innovation into production-ready solutions.
• Maintain high standards for documentation, versioning (Semantic Versioning, Conventional Commits), and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and analysts to develop AI-enhanced pipelines and analytical workflows.
• Support organizational development by mentoring colleagues and sharing expertise in applied AI and analytics.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading advanced analytics or AI-driven initiatives, ideally including R&D and proof-of-concepts.
• Substantial hands-on expertise with machine learning and AI models, including running and evaluating models locally and integrating them into data workflows.
• Strong proficiency in Python and experience with PySpark, DuckDB, SQL databases, and ETL workflows (or the ability to quickly pivot to these technologies).
• Familiarity with LLMs (Large Language Models), APIs, and applied AI frameworks.
• Knowledge of AWS services (EC2, S3, Lambda) preferred.
• Experience working in Databricks environments helpful.
• Experience in the academic or scientific publication domain a plus.
• Located in the Netherlands (hybrid role, Amsterdam office).

Work in a way that works for you

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.

Working for you

We know that your wellbeing and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:

• Dutch Share Purchase Plan
• Annual Profit Share Bonus
• Comprehensive Pension Plan
• Home, office or commuting allowance
• Generous vacation entitlement and option for sabbatical leave
• Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Family Care leave
• Flexible working hours
• Personal Choice budget
• Variety of online training courses and career roadshows
• Wellbeing programs and gym facility in the office
• Internal communities and networks
• Various employee discounts
• Recruitment introduction reward
• Work from anywhere
• Employee Assistance Program (global)
• Annual Event

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.