The Team 

Upstart’s Machine Learning team has a direct impact on our company's success. The team consists of Research Scientists, Data Scientists and other highly specialized roles who build and enable our core production models. 

Because our challenges are so new, members of our Machine Learning team need strong creative problem-solving skills and the technical background to implement solutions. Our research environment affords team members the opportunity to utilize a variety of statistical and machine learning methods with the freedom and encouragement to pursue alternative approaches to solving problems. Whether developing new products or identifying novel approaches to core models, we are continuously seeking the next big ideas to move our business forward.

Role Description

As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll leverage technical and business acumen to become an expert in our models and how the models interact with the business. Identify potential problems or opportunities for improvement, communicate these issues to the team, stakeholders and suggest solutions. This involves self-directed investigation into our business and its data, designing and preparing regular reports, as well as conducting ad hoc analyses for the Machine Learning team, company leadership, and external business partners. 

Our Machine Learning team researches and productionizes all of Upstart’s core predictive models. If data is the new oil, then you’ll be responsible for the refining process that creates the most premium fuel possible. You’ll work in an environment where actionable insights from data are valued and needed, so you’ll be able to see your analysis turn into measurable results for our company and our borrowers. As a Data Scientist, you will work with our research scientist closely to identify ways to improve the accuracy and business impact of our models.

Position Location - This role is available in San Mateo CA, Columbus OH or Remote

Time Zone Requirements - This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones. 

Travel Requirements - This team has regular on-site collaboration sessions six times annually split between the San Mateo or Columbus office locations. If you need to travel to make these meetups, Upstart will cover all travel related expenses.

How you’ll make an impact:

• By presenting reports to key stakeholders and decision makers on model performance and how it impacts the business. Often times this person will report directly to corporate executives
• By finding issues with the models before they have a chance to impact our business
• By understanding our models, you will help our teams in making positive impactful changes for our customers

What we’re looking for: 

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or related experience in a production setting
• 2+years experience in data science projects
• Knowledge in applied statistical methods (e.g., AB testing, hypothesis testing, linear and logistic regression
• Familiarity with modern predictive modeling techniques (XGBoost, artificial neural networks
• Experience with Python or R and SQL
• Strong Machine Learning experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• MS or PHD in Applied Stats, Mathematics, Economics, Operational Research
• A subject matter expert on model performance
• Experience in building visualizations and maintaining Dashboards (Plotly or Matplotlib) to track model performance
• Serving as an expert in the areas of experimental testing, Causal Inference, A/B testing or Hypothesis testing 
• Collaborating with and mentoring other data scientists and engineers in these areas.

What you'll love: 

• Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart 
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave  
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
• Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

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