Make more Creative Job Post Content< Research Scientist
- Responsibilities:
Location: Remote (United States) | On-site options in San Mateo, CA; Columbus, OH; Austin, TX
Compensation: Competitive base salary + bonus & equity
Are you ready to redefine credit access with cutting-edge AI?
At Upstart, we’re on a mission to expand access to affordable credit through the power of advanced machine learning. By reimagining traditional lending models, we’re empowering banks and credit unions to offer higher approval rates, lower loss rates, and exceptional, digital-first experiences for customers—regardless of race, age, or gender.
More than two-thirds of our loans are approved instantly and fully automated. But we’re not done yet. We’re looking for a Research Scientist to join our Machine Learning Team, where you’ll help build and deploy models that power key areas like growth marketing, auto loans, and personal loan underwriting.
If you’re passionate about using AI to solve real-world challenges and want to make a measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you!
What You’ll Do
As a Research Scientist at Upstart, you’ll:
- Build & Innovate: Research, prototype, and deploy machine learning models that enhance borrower risk prediction, marketing conversions, and underwriting processes.
- Collaborate & Experiment: Work cross-functionally with engineers, product managers, and marketing teams to optimize models for real business outcomes.
- Deliver Insights: Evaluate model performance, interpret results, and present actionable recommendations to stakeholders.
- Stay Ahead: Explore cutting-edge algorithms and techniques to ensure our ML systems remain at the forefront of AI technology.
- Mentor & Lead: Guide junior team members and contribute to the development of a high-quality, production-ready codebase.
Your Impact
- Help power growth marketing models that predict conversion probabilities and identify high-potential prospects.
- Shape auto loan underwriting models that assess true borrower risk with groundbreaking features.
- Enhance personal loan models that evaluate applicant risk and directly influence our core business.
What You Bring
Minimum Qualifications
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor's degree in Math, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.
- Professional Experience:
- 2+ years in machine learning or a related field.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Python and a strong understanding of statistical, probability, and machine learning theory.
- Modeling Expertise:
- Full-stack experience in the ML lifecycle OR deep expertise in statistical modeling or machine learning.
- Communication Skills:
- Ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.
- Mindset:
- Intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and humility.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative discipline.
- Expertise in Python and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
- Experience building and deploying machine learning pipelines.
- Strong critical thinking and hypothesis development skills.
- Proven track record mentoring junior team members.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Upstart, we take care of our team with:
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary + bonus & equity.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
- Growth Opportunities: Personal development budgets and mentorship opportunities.
- Flexibility: Work remotely anywhere in the US with occasional in-person team sessions.
- Community: Join clubs like Superwomen, Fitstarters, Book Club, Investing Club, and more.
- Perks: Generous vacation policies, catered lunches, and snacks.
- Financial Wellness: 401(k) plans and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
