Nikhil Kumar Jha works as an Applied Scientist with the Product Science team at Audible's Berlin hub. He and his team help develop innovative solutions to customer needs by using data science, including Maven, the world’s first AI-powered audiobook search tool, which helps customers find listens that are right for them.

What is life like at the hub you’re aligned to?

Our Berlin hub is right in the center of the city, in a cozy six-story building with a big rooftop space where we gather for summer lunches and after-work drinks. We often have a barbecue while looking out at the German parliament building and nice sunsets. One of our office's points of pride is the espresso machine—we've even had proper training to make a perfect cup.

The surrounding neighborhood is quiet, yet fantastic, with art galleries and plenty of restaurants for team dinners or casual get-togethers. My team has a weekly tradition of visiting local Indian restaurants every Thursday. We also regularly participate in local community initiatives, from distributing food and clothing to those in need, to helping out at a nearby primary school with hands-on work like painting and gardening. These activities really give us a sense of purpose beyond our day-to-day work. 

How does the work you do affect listeners or your colleagues across different markets worldwide?

My role at Audible has a truly global scope, collaborating with team members across multiple countries and time zones on projects that serve our global marketplaces. We focus on developing personalization experiences that cater to customers across different segments, markets and subscription plans. This involves creating sophisticated algorithms that adapt to diverse preferences and behaviors, ensuring our recommendations remain relevant regardless of geographical location or language preferences, whether customers are browsing Audible directly or discovering audiobooks through Amazon. Our systems identify global trends to enhance user experiences and improve the visibility and relevance of Audible content across numerous countries simultaneously. 

What was your first Audible listen? What inspired you to check it out? 

My first Audible listen was Atomic Habits. Instead of promising dramatic overnight changes, it focused on something more practical: how to build lasting habits through small, consistent improvements. I was less interested in just knowing what to change in my life; I wanted to understand how to make those changes stick.

Can you share a bit about your career journey at Audible?

I joined Audible's Data Science team as an Applied Scientist in December 2022, analyzing large datasets, developing and deploying data science models, and working on specific components of larger projects, all under the guidance of experienced team members. I progressed to handling more independent work and cross-team collaborations to address broader challenges.

A unique aspect of our science teams is the rotation system, which has been particularly valuable for my growth. The idea is to allow scientists to work with different parallel teams, exposing us to varied projects, methodologies and technologies, while promoting the exchange of best practices. Through these rotations, I've contributed to diverse initiatives, from enhancing user search experiences to collaborating with engineering teams on robust systems that serve millions of users.

Can you share about a time when a leader at Audible empowered you to take on a challenge or explore a new area?

Recognizing the growing importance of generative AI and large language models (LLMs), I expressed interest in expanding my expertise in this area. My managers were incredibly supportive of me rotating into a team working on enhancing Audible's search experience using LLMs. Following our People Principle “Articulate the Possible and Move Fast To Make It Real,” we developed an improved search system, called Maven, capable of processing natural conversational text to identify books matching user's interests.

This project made the user experience more intuitive and natural, and it allowed me to apply my existing knowledge while acquiring new skills. The work gained significant recognition both internally and externally and provided valuable professional growth and relationship building. Most significantly, it demonstrated the trust and empowerment our leadership provides in taking on challenges beyond our regular responsibilities.

What are the benefits you find invaluable for your personal well-being, or that help make both your work life and personal life more fulfilling?

Two benefits have proven particularly valuable for me: flexible working hours and tuition reimbursement. As a Berlin-based employee collaborating with teams in the U.S., I've set up a schedule that bridges the six-hour time difference effectively. My work day typically begins a bit late to align with U.S. morning meetings, includes social breaks with local colleagues in the Berlin afternoon, and extends into the evening for real-time collaboration with U.S. teams. This arrangement offers a couple of advantages: I use the quiet morning hours for focused coding and analysis work, while reserving overlapping hours for team collaboration. The flexibility also allows me to maintain personal commitments like going to the gym and quality family time during off-peak hours.

The tuition reimbursement program has been equally valuable, enabling me to pursue courses and attend conferences that help me develop my technical and scientific expertise.

What advice would you have for a candidate considering Audible?

I would highlight that our workplace is genuinely welcoming and inclusive, and this is demonstrated through various initiatives and through our impact programs, which provide opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

Professional development is a key priority here and we are encouraged to take comprehensive in-house training programs, pursue relevant certifications and attend annual conferences and workshops. These resources ensure continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Have you ever participated in an Impact Group or community impact program? If so what kind of effect did it have on you and your work?

One of the impact projects I participated in involved renovating a local primary school by painting classrooms and developing safe garden spaces for children's outdoor activities. And we’ve supported homeless communities through donation drives, providing essential items such as packaged food, hygiene products and clothing.

These helped me make a difference in our community and offered a welcome change from computer-only work and reminded me of the importance of direct, hands-on community engagement. Equally valuable are the connections formed during these activities, working alongside colleagues from different teams. These shared experiences definitely helped build stronger workplace relationships.

Lightning round

Favorite genre? Thriller.

Listening from a speaker or headphones? Headphones, always.

Favorite activity while listening? Commuting and gym.

Morning person or night owl? Morning person.

Favorite snack? Manchurian balls.

What are you currently listening to?

I'm currently exploring fresh interpretations of the 130-year-old Sherlock Holmes universe. Moriarty: The Silent Order offers an intriguing twist on the classic tale by reimagining Moriarty not as a villain, but as a misunderstood figure who eventually teams up with his former rival, Sherlock Holmes, to face a greater threat. The story is full of unexpected turns and twists that really pull you in.