Research Scientist

About Upstart

Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than two-thirds of Upstart loans are approved instantly and are fully automated.

Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you!

The Team:

Upstart’s ML verificationsteam seeks to efficiently mitigate excess risk by identifying potentially fraudulent or dishonest applicants and verifying their information. We build, maintain, and iteratively improve upon a suite of ML models and own the logic for how they are used to make operational decisions. We significantly and directly impact business performance and are

As a Research Scientist on ML verifications at Upstart, you will improve conversion rates and reduce excess losses by researching and implementing new features and models to accurately detect and mitigate risk. You will collaborate with product, engineering, and other scientists and communicate your approach and results to both technical and non-technical audiences, and contribute positively to the team’s culture.

How you’ll make an impact

Independently execute ML modeling and feature research projects Develop and socialize approaches in collaboration with other scientists and cross-functional stakeholdersWrite clean, readable code to execute reproducible analyses Communicate and socialize findings to get buy in for recommended next stepsImplement models for production

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials with a master's degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, computer science, or other quantitative areas of study
• Programming skills in Python
• Proficiency in a broad array of mathematical, statistical learning and machine learning concepts and applications
• Ability to proactively and effectively communicate results and methodologies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong sense of intellectual curiosity balanced with humility, drive and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in in statistics, mathematics, economics, computer science, or other quantitative areas of study
• Full-stack expertise with all steps of the modeling process from ideation to productionalizing code; OR deep expertise in either statistical modeling or machine learning
• Knowledge of MLops, pipelines, and engineering architecture
• Experience solving real-world machine learning problems at a tech company, such as through internships
• Experience working as part of a diverse, cross-functional team.

Position location This role is available in the following locations: Remote

Travel requirements As a digital first company, the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time.

At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).

Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email [email protected]

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