Applied Scientist

Summary

Upstart is an AI lending marketplace that partners with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. The Applied Scientist will research, implement, and evaluate enhancements to unsecured underwriting machine learning models, while collaborating with engineering teams to translate research into reliable, production-ready solutions.

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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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

• Remote work arrangement; most Upstarters can work from wherever they thrive in the US and Canada outside of Quebec
• Competitive compensation, including bonus opportunities and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
• 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only)
• Comprehensive health coverage, 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)
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements
• Paid family and parental leave; duration varies by country
• Family-centered benefits supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
• Financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US only)
• Annual wellness allowance supporting physical and emotional well-being and personal development
• Annual productivity allowance for relevant tools and resources, regardless of work location
• Team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
• Catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City