Applied Scientist Intern

Summary

Upstart is an AI lending marketplace that uses advanced artificial intelligence to improve access to affordable credit. The Applied Scientist Intern will research and evaluate machine learning and statistical approaches, develop model and product enhancements, and translate findings into recommendations and production-ready solutions while collaborating with and receiving mentorship from ML practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Research machine learning and statistical approaches to discover improvements to the predictive performance and/or business value of a model
• Design, implement, and evaluate model, product, or technical enhancements using rigorous experimentation and validation methods
• Translate research findings into clear recommendations, documented methodologies, and production-ready solutions
• Work with your mentor to align stakeholders, and drive next steps

Skills

• Bachelor. Masters or PHD degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, computer science, or a related quantitative field. On track to graduate by 2028
• Strong fundamentals in statistical, probability, and machine learning theory
• Ability to perform data analysis and evaluate machine learning or statistical models using Python, as well as basic SQL foundations
• Intellectual curiosity, humility, drive and teamwork
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to use modern agentic tooling (Claude Code, Codex, …) efficiently
• 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. To this end, over the course of the internship, you will meet to collaborate once or twice, for 2-4 consecutive days at a time
• Phd in mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, computer science, or a related quantitative field. On track to graduate by the summer of 2028
• Experience in supervised learning, model evaluation, and feature engineering techniques
• Advanced statistical (frequentist, bayesian, causal) theory/econometrics knowledge
• Strong coding skills in Python

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor. Masters or PHD degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, computer science, or a related quantitative field. On track to graduate by 2028
• Strong fundamentals in statistical, probability, and machine learning theory
• Ability to perform data analysis and evaluate machine learning or statistical models using Python, as well as basic SQL foundations
• Intellectual curiosity, humility, drive and teamwork
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to use modern agentic tooling (Claude Code, Codex, …) efficiently
• 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. To this end, over the course of the internship, you will meet to collaborate once or twice, for 2-4 consecutive days at a time

Nice to Haves

• Phd in mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, computer science, or a related quantitative field. On track to graduate by the summer of 2028
• Experience in supervised learning, model evaluation, and feature engineering techniques
• Advanced statistical (frequentist, bayesian, causal) theory/econometrics knowledge
• Strong coding skills in Python

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement
• Mentorship from experienced ML practitioners
• UHC High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) for comprehensive medical coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer funding of $800 for employee-only coverage or $1,600 when covering dependents
• Medical opt-out credit of $150 per month if the health plan is waived
• Guardian Dental
• Guardian Vision Base
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage; auto-enrolled
• Basic Life and Accident Insurance; auto-enrolled
• Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LFSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Target bonuses
• Equity compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k)
• 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 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