Applied Scientist

Summary

Upstart is an AI lending marketplace dedicated to reducing the cost and complexity of borrowing for Americans. The Applied Scientist will enhance Upstart's core unsecured underwriting model through research and implementation of machine learning techniques, directly influencing credit decisioning.

Responsibilities

• Research machine learning and statistical approaches that improve the predictive performance of unsecured underwriting models
• Design, implement, and evaluate model enhancements using rigorous experimentation and validation methods
• Analyze model performance and downstream effects to confirm that proposed changes improve decisioning reliably
• Partner with various engineering teams to support technical reviews, implementation, and deployment
• Translate research findings into clear recommendations, documented methodologies, and production-ready solutions

Skills

• Graduate degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field
• 0–2 years of experience conducting machine learning, statistical modeling, or applied quantitative research in an academic or industry setting
• Experience developing and evaluating machine learning or statistical models using Python
• Demonstrated knowledge of probability, statistics, and machine learning methods
• Experience designing experiments or validation analyses to assess model accuracy, reliability, or predictive performance
• PhD in a quantitative field
• Knowledge of supervised learning, model evaluation, and feature engineering techniques
• Experience working with large or complex datasets and translating research concepts into implemented solutions
• Ability to balance research velocity with analytical rigor, model reliability, and responsible decision-making
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Graduate degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field
• 0–2 years of experience conducting machine learning, statistical modeling, or applied quantitative research in an academic or industry setting
• Experience developing and evaluating machine learning or statistical models using Python
• Demonstrated knowledge of probability, statistics, and machine learning methods
• Experience designing experiments or validation analyses to assess model accuracy, reliability, or predictive performance

Nice to Haves

• PhD in a quantitative field
• Knowledge of supervised learning, model evaluation, and feature engineering techniques
• Experience working with large or complex datasets and translating research concepts into implemented solutions
• Ability to balance research velocity with analytical rigor, model reliability, and responsible decision-making
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
• Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only)
• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only)
• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country)
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only)
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
• Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!)