Company Description

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams — People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more — provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.

Job Description

The Model Risk Management Team is dedicated to ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting the reduction of potential errors or bias, and promoting appropriate use for models created and maintained by Block. The team achieves this by establishing and implementing model governance frameworks, validating and monitoring model performance, and providing guidance on best practices for model development and risk management.  This is a foundational team within compliance, which means it will support and collaborate with all key functional areas of Block regardless of the product or market.

We are looking for a Staff Data Scientist with model validation experience to join our team and support our model risk management activities. Your responsibilities will include validating machine learning models as applied to regulatory compliance such as anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and sanctions screening. You will also provide analytical support and insights to improve our model development, and documentation standards.

You should have strong quantitative skills, attention to detail and knowledge of relevant regulations and industry best practices. You will be fully remote and report into our Foundational Model Risk Management Lead.

Responsibilities:

• Validate machine learning models using data analysis, testing procedures and quality assurance methods
• Evaluate and improve model validation activities, processes, and metrics
• Assess and advise on model governance frameworks, and development practices
• Identify model risks, issues, and gaps to management
• Provide analytical support and insights to improve model development, validation, and documentation standards
• Stay updated on latest trends, developments and best practices in machine learning and compliance risk management
• Maintain validation documentation following internal policies
• Develop monitoring dashboards for ongoing model performance monitoring (e.g. model drift)
• Coordinate with business partners, Data Science, Product, Engineering & Technology
• Develop partner relationships and have a understanding of the businesses

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in the physics, economics, statistics, or a similar STEM field with 8+ years of related work experience; Graduate degree w/ 5+ years of relevant working experience; or 9+ years of relevant working experience
• Knowledge of data science modeling techniques, methodologies (e.g. familiarity with deep learning, boosted trees, and unsupervised learning)
• Experience with scripting and data analysis programming languages, such as Python (preferable) or R
• Advanced proficiency with SQL and data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau)
• Quantitative skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely 

Preferred:

• Experience in validating machine learning models related to compliance regulations such as AML, KYC, sanctions screening, or fraud detection 
• Prior experience in compliance risk management 
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as SR 11-7 

Additional Information

Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Zone A: USD $184,100 - USD $225,000
Zone B: USD $174,900 - USD $213,700
Zone C: USD $165,700 - USD $202,500
Zone D: USD $156,400 - USD $191,200

To find a location’s zone designation, please refer to this resource. If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.

Full-time employee benefits include the following:

• Healthcare coverage (Medical, Vision and Dental insurance)
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Plans including company match 
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Wellness programs, including access to mental health, 1:1 financial planners, and a monthly wellness allowance 
• Paid parental and caregiving leave
• Paid time off (including 12 paid holidays)
• Paid sick leave (1 hour per 26 hours worked (max 80 hours per calendar year to the extent legally permissible) for non-exempt employees and covered by our Flexible Time Off policy for exempt employees) 
• Learning and Development resources
• Paid Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits 
• Additional Perks such as WFH reimbursements and free access to caregiving, legal, and discounted resources 

These benefits are further detailed in Block's policies. This role is also eligible to participate in Block's equity plan subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies, and may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a commission plan subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.

We’re working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is a proud equal opportunity employer. We work hard to evaluate all employees and job applicants consistently, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.

We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we’re doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page.

Additionally, we consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, assessing candidates in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Block, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) is a global technology company with a focus on financial services. Made up of Square, Cash App, Spiral, TIDAL, and TBD, we build tools to help more people access the economy. Square helps sellers run and grow their businesses with its integrated ecosystem of commerce solutions, business software, and banking services. With Cash App, anyone can easily send, spend, or invest their money in stocks or Bitcoin. Spiral (formerly Square Crypto) builds and funds free, open-source Bitcoin projects. Artists use TIDAL to help them succeed as entrepreneurs and connect more deeply with fans. TBD is building an open developer platform to make it easier to access Bitcoin and other blockchain technologies without having to go through an institution.