Staff Applied Scientist
The Team
Upstart’s Machine Learning team advances the scientific methods and predictive systems that power our AI-driven lending marketplace. The team combines applied research, large-scale modeling, and cross-functional collaboration to improve decision quality, model reliability, and the effectiveness of our lending platform.
As a Staff Applied Scientist at Upstart, you will provide technical leadership across complex, high-impact machine learning initiatives. You will define scientific approaches to ambiguous problems, influence modeling strategy across teams, and establish methods that improve the performance and reliability of our machine learning systems.
How you’ll make an impact
Define technical direction for complex machine learning initiatives, translating broad business objectives into scientific strategies and measurable outcomes.
Lead the design and evaluation of advanced modeling approaches that address challenging problems in predictive performance, robustness, and scalability.
Identify systemic opportunities to improve model development, experimentation, evaluation, and production performance across teams.
Partner with scientific, engineering, and business leaders to influence technical priorities and guide decisions involving complex modeling tradeoffs.
Establish scientific best practices, provide technical mentorship, and raise the quality and consistency of machine learning work across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
4 years of experience developing machine learning models or applying advanced statistical methods to complex quantitative problems.
Experience leading the technical design and implementation of machine learning solutions used in production environments.
Experience applying advanced machine learning methods and statistical evaluation techniques to large-scale datasets.
Experience defining technical approaches or architecture for machine learning initiatives involving multiple stakeholders or systems.
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 techniques, including deep learning, ensemble methods, or probabilistic modeling.
Ability to evaluate complex tradeoffs involving predictive performance, interpretability, scalability, and model reliability.
Experience establishing modeling frameworks, evaluation standards, or reusable scientific tools adopted across teams.
Skills in influencing technical direction, mentoring scientists, and communicating scientific recommendations to senior stakeholders.
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
$199,500—$276,000 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
$177,700—$220,000 CAD