Applied Research Scientist (Machine Visibility)

Role overview

This role is for an Applied Research Scientist focused on machine visibility, hired on behalf of a partner company that handles applications and the rest of the hiring process. The position is based in Ireland and is designed for someone who can help define a new research area at the intersection of AI systems, search crawling, autonomous agents, and the modern web.

You will be the first research specialist dedicated to this topic, responsible for setting up the research function from scratch. The work involves using one of the industry’s largest datasets on web crawling behavior, creating research methods and infrastructure, and turning findings into insights that can shape product decisions and influence the wider technology landscape. The role is remote-first, highly autonomous, and centered on large-scale analysis, applied research, and strategic collaboration. Published research will appear under your own name, supporting your visibility as a thought leader in this emerging space.

Responsibilities

• Create and support the research systems needed to structure, clean, and analyze very large datasets related to web crawling and machine interaction.
• Plan and run original research projects end to end, from framing the question to selecting methods, analyzing results, and preparing work for publication.
• Design fresh data collection approaches that extend research capabilities and help answer new questions about AI crawlers and machine visibility.
• Study the behavior of search crawlers, AI bots, and autonomous agents, and identify patterns across changing machine ecosystems.
• Prepare research outputs ranging from concise data-led briefs to major flagship reports authored by you.
• Work with cross-functional partners to convert research findings into practical guidance for product development, business direction, and market positioning.
• Stay current on developments in AI search, web standards, structured data, and machine-readable technologies so future research priorities remain relevant.
• Use modern AI tools to speed up analysis, synthesis, experimentation, and broader research workflows.

Requirements

• Background in conducting and publishing original research in academic or industry settings.
• Strong command of SQL and Python for large-scale data analysis.
• Proven ability to build research infrastructure and data pipelines instead of relying only on pre-existing datasets.
• Solid experience with experiment design, hypothesis testing, statistical methods, and evidence-based research practices.
• Ability to manage research projects independently from initial idea through publication.
• Comfort using AI tools as part of research and analytical work.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical results to technical and non-technical audiences alike.
• High curiosity, sharp critical thinking, and the ability to operate independently in an unstructured research setting.
• Experience with AI crawler behavior, technical SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), information retrieval, or natural language processing is a strong plus.
• Published papers, conference talks, or established thought leadership in related areas are advantageous.

Perks

• Fully remote role with a preference for collaboration during European time zones.
• Chance to create and lead a new research function with a high level of independence.
• Access to a distinctive web-scale dataset not commonly available in the market.
• Direct engagement with executive leadership on long-term research direction.
• Opportunity to publish original research under your own name, strengthening your professional profile.
• Structured onboarding plan with clear research goals and milestones.
• Learning and development support for conferences, courses, tools, and other professional resources.
• International, collaborative, and remote-first team environment.
• Transparent compensation that is aligned with the market and shared before interviews begin.

Additional information

This listing is presented on behalf of a partner company, which will manage applications and next steps. The review process uses AI-assisted matching to screen applications against the role’s core requirements before a shortlist is passed to the hiring company. Final interview, assessment, and hiring decisions are handled by the company’s internal team.

Data privacy notice

By submitting an application, candidates agree that the hiring platform may process personal data to assess candidacy and share relevant information with the employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual steps under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR. Applicants may exercise their rights to access, correct, delete, or object to processing at any time.

The recruitment process may also use AI tools to support tasks such as application review, resume analysis, response assessment, and identification of possible inconsistencies or verification signals in submitted materials. These tools assist the recruitment team but do not replace human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people. More information about data processing can be requested directly from the recruiter.