Senior Applied Scientist
The Team
Upstart’s Machine Learning team develops and advances predictive models that help make lending more accessible and efficient. Through applied research, experimentation, and close collaboration with engineering and business partners, the team turns complex data into reliable machine learning solutions.
As a Senior Applied Scientist at Upstart, you will lead the development of machine learning solutions that improve model performance and business outcomes. You will own complex modeling problems from initial investigation through production implementation, while helping shape technical approaches and scientific best practices.
How you’ll make an impact
Lead end-to-end development of machine learning models, from problem formulation and experimentation through deployment and performance evaluation.
Design and evaluate advanced modeling approaches to improve predictive accuracy, robustness, and operational effectiveness.
Identify opportunities to improve existing models through feature development, experimentation, and rigorous statistical analysis.
Partner with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into measurable machine learning objectives.
Guide technical decisions, review scientific methodologies, and share expertise to improve the quality and effectiveness of the team's work.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
3 years of experience developing and evaluating machine learning models or applying statistical methods to production-oriented problems.
Experience developing machine learning solutions using Python and established machine learning frameworks.
Experience designing and evaluating experiments using statistical methods and quantitative performance metrics.
Experience implementing, deploying, or maintaining machine learning models in production environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree, ideally a PhD, in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
Knowledge of advanced machine learning methods, including ensemble learning, deep learning, or probabilistic modeling.
Ability to evaluate tradeoffs among model performance, interpretability, reliability, and computational efficiency.
Experience with large-scale data processing or distributed machine learning systems.
Skills in communicating complex scientific findings and recommendations across technical and business teams.
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 or Canada (outside of Quebec) but are expected to spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites and in-person meetings. The onsite 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).
United States | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range
$167,700—$231,800 USD
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).
Canada | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range
$159,000—$193,000 CAD