Algorithm Researcher

Via Transportation is a public mobility technology company that develops software and operational solutions for shared transportation networks. The company provides a comprehensive suite of products including microtransit, paratransit, student transit, corporate and campus shuttles, and health transportation services, serving cities, transit authorities, school districts, universities, healthcare providers, and corporations. Via's platform enables dynamic, on-demand routing and scheduling that maximizes vehicle utilization and reduces the number of single-occupancy trips on the road. By replacing inefficient fixed-route systems and private car trips with intelligent shared mobility, Via contributes to lower emissions and more sustainable urban transportation ecosystems. The company also offers Remix, a transit planning and scheduling platform, and has integrated Citymapper into its mobility-as-a-service offerings to help cities build more rider-centric networks. Via's mission centers on reimagining public transit to be more equitable, efficient, and accessible, ensuring that underserved communities gain reliable connections to jobs, education, and healthcare. What distinguishes Via is its combination of proprietary routing algorithms, real-time operations management tools, and in-house consulting expertise through Via Strategies, allowing it to serve both the technology and operational needs of transit agencies at scale.

Via is on a mission to create public transportation systems that provide far greater access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Our platform serves as the technology backbone for modern transit networks, transforming antiquated and siloed public transportation systems into smart, data-driven, and efficient digital networks. With hundreds of agency partners around the world, Via is recognized as the leading transportation technology and service provider globally.
As an Algorithm Researcher at Via, you’ll join our R&D team in London as part of the core Algo group, which is responsible for developing and maintaining Via’s proprietary algorithms that run in production on our live servers. The role sits at the intersection of algorithm development, data science, and software engineering. You’ll work on complex algorithmic problems, explore and evaluate different approaches, and turn your solutions into reliable production systems that support Via’s transportation networks around the world. If you enjoy combining analytical thinking, algorithms, data, and hands-on development, this position might be just for you!

What You'll Do:

• Design, develop, and improve Via’s core algorithms and business logic, solving complex real-world problems.
• Explore and evaluate algorithmic approaches using data, experimentation, and analytical methods.
• Develop and maintain mission-critical services that bring algorithmic solutions into production.
• Work with large datasets to analyze system behavior and improve the performance of our algorithms.
• Take ownership of complex technical problems, from initial research and exploration through to production.
• Work in close collaboration with algorithm developers, researchers, data scientists, and software engineers.

Who You Are:

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Computer Science / Mathematics / Statistics / Operations Research / similar quantitative field.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience in algorithm development, data science, research, or software engineering with a strong algorithmic focus.
• Strong knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and analytical problem-solving.
• Strong Python skills and experience developing production-quality code.
• Experience working with data and applying data science, optimization, or analytical techniques to solve complex problems.
• Experience taking algorithms, models, or prototypes and turning them into production systems.
• Experience with DevOps and cloud infrastructure (Kubernetes, etc.) — strong advantage.
• Experience in architecture and maintaining cloud systems — strong advantage.
• Curious and analytical: you enjoy exploring different approaches and understanding the data behind your solutions.
• Pragmatic: you can break complex problems into smaller problems and find simple, effective solutions.
• Hands-on: you enjoy taking ideas from research or experimentation all the way into production.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Becoming part of a company that was awarded for its commitment to social good:
• We are one of 17 Ventures That Embody the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
• Inc. Magazine’s “Best in Business” Awardee in the software category for Companies That Put Purpose Before Profit
• Competitive compensation including equity
• A spacious office near Chancery Lane, where you can enjoy weekly team lunches
• Comprehensive health scheme offered through AXA
• Partnership with YellowNest, a salary exchange benefit that helps reduce childcare fees for working parents
• Cycle to Work Scheme - multiple options via Green Commute Initiative (GCI)

There has never been a more exciting time to be on the cutting edge of public mobility. Ready to join the ride?

Via is an equal opportunity employer.