Applied Scientist

The role / impact

As a Staff Applied Scientist, you will research and implement Generative AI solutions that simplify the Xero customer experience across our full accounting domain. You will have a direct impact on how our customers interact with our platform by shaping intuitive, AI-powered SaaS experiences that transform complex workflows into seamless tasks.

Your work involves continuously evaluating the reasoning and accuracy of General AI, improving results through hybrid approaches that combine cutting‑edge LLMs with classical methods. By translating business and customer problems into tangible machine learning formulations, you will help define the next generation of intelligent accounting software.

You will join the XAIN AI North America team, a group of approximately 30 specialists dedicated to AI product research and development. We are a fully remote team that stays closely connected through Slack and Google Meet, while collaborating extensively with our global partners in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

• Building and refining Generative AI solutions using SOTA LLM APIs and scientific literature.
• Developing hybrid ML models that integrate modern reasoning with classical processing techniques.
• Designing and deploying scalable machine learning systems that address real‑world product challenges.
• Leading applied research programs from initial problem definition through to production impact.

This is a fully remote position for candidates based in North America, with a preference for those located on the West Coast US, to support team alignment. You will have the flexibility to work from home while maintaining high‑impact collaboration with a distributed international team.

• You bring a deep understanding of machine learning foundations, including probability, linear algebra, and calculus.
• Your background includes hands‑on experience with state‑of‑the‑art LLMs and a track record of deploying ML systems at scale.
• You possess strong software engineering skills, particularly in Python, with a focus on writing maintainable and testable code.
• Excellent communication skills allow you to translate complex technical concepts for stakeholders with various backgrounds.
• You have a proven ability to operate within ambiguity, refining loose business problems into actionable research directions.
• A customer‑focused mindset drives you to link your research to ethical and positive real‑world outcomes.

Apply even if your experience isn't a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.