Research Scientist
The Role:
Upstart’s Machine Learning team has a direct impact on our company’s success. The team consists of Research Scientists, Data Scientists, ML Engineers and other highly specialized roles. As a whole, the Machine Learning team builds, enables and evaluates our core production models.
Because our challenges are so new, members of our Machine Learning team need strong creative problem-solving skills and the technical background to implement solutions. Our research environment affords team members the opportunity to utilize a variety of statistical and machine learning methods with the freedom and encouragement to pursue alternative approaches to solving problems. Whether developing new products or identifying novel approaches to core models, we are continuously seeking the next big ideas to move our business forward.
Our Teams:
Upstart’s Machine Learning teams play a pivotal role in driving the company’s success across multiple domains, including Growth, Auto Loans & Underwriting. As part of Upstart’s mission to expand access to credit based on true risk, the ML Growth team is actively involved in marketing and borrower acquisition efforts to attract new customers. A key strategy involves direct mail, an outbound marketing channel that educates consumers about Upstart through physical mail and encourages them to take out a loan. This team develops advanced DM models to predict conversion probabilities and prioritize prospects effectively, contributing significantly to Upstart’s revenue and overall success.
Meanwhile, our Auto Loan and Personal Loan Underwriting teams build and maintain production models that assess the true risk of borrowers, using cutting-edge methodologies to ensure accurate underwriting decisions. These teams are central to Upstart’s mission, as they research, build, and refine models that directly impact the company’s growth and value creation.
How you’ll make an impact
Autonomously develop and deploy production modelsContribute to a high-quality modeling codebase in PythonQuickly prototype and test ideasResearch novel modeling techniquesWork collaboratively with a cross-functional team consisting of research scientists, software engineers and product managers
Minimum Qualifications
- Excellent critical thinking
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (Math, Physics, Computer Science)
- 0-2+ years of experience in Machine Learning or a similar field
- Proficiency in a programming language (Python preferred)
- Proficiency in Statistical/Probability/Machine Learning theory
- Excellent communication skills to a non-technical audience
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters or PhD in a quantitative discipline (Statistics, Applied Math, Math, Physics, Economics, Computer Science)
- Full-stack expertise with all steps of the modeling process from ideation to productionalizing code; OR deep expertise in either statistical modeling or machine learning
- Knowledge of machine learning, pipelines and engineering architecture
- Detailed understanding of building good technical solutions; ability to convert ideas into testable hypotheses and/or next steps
- Ability to meet team standards with respect to quality and velocity with minimal help or direction from peers
- For more complex tasks, ability to break down problems into smaller tasks, and use them to estimate the timeline of executing a larger initiative. Willingness to make the right tradeoffs when needed to deliver projects on time.
What you’ll love:
- Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
- 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