Lead Data Scientist (AI/ML Specialist)

Position Overview

At VantageScore, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on a massive scale by leading in credit modeling and increasing access to financial products and homeownership for millions of Americans. Our innovative tri-bureau models power billions of credit scores each year, reaching historically underserved communities.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative Lead Data Scientist (AI/ML) to join our exceptional analytics team. In this fast-paced, independent start-up culture backed by the three leading US credit bureaus, you will advance credit scoring models and deliver transformative AI-powered products and insights.

Base pay range: $150,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research on structured and unstructured data to generate insights supporting product management and new product development.
• Contribute to the design, execution, evaluation, and deployment of machine learning models for credit risk and predictive analytics.
• Serve as the team expert on GenAI/LLMs, adapting and fine-tuning models while ensuring compliance and explainability.
• Lead pilot program analyses, including back-testing, rejection inference, and performance assessments using varied data sets.
• Enhance model monitoring processes and create engaging data visualizations and dashboards to share insights with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate models into production systems, ensuring scalability and resilience under heavy loads.
• Research and apply emerging AI/ML, GenAI/LLM technologies, and state-of-the-art methods and tools.
• Translate complex analyses into clear, actionable business recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to thought leadership through white papers, presentations, and external insights.

Required Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Data Science, Applied Mathematics/Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Econometrics).
• A minimum of years of professional experience in advanced analytics, AI/ML/LLM, and data science in research and/or corporate settings.
• Proficiency in Python for data science and machine learning workflows.
• Experience with machine learning techniques (classification, clustering, regression, neural networks) for predictive risk and credit modeling.
• Demonstrated ability in conducting research, performing analyses, and delivering clear, impactful presentations or publications.
• Experience in delivering insights and solutions that drive business impact.
• Experience working in Agile and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in GenAI – Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) focusing on training, fine-tuning, explainability, and deployment.
• Advanced expertise in machine learning techniques (self-supervised learning, training optimization, explainability) with an emphasis on credit scoring.
• Familiarity with modern ML/AI technology stacks, such as PyTorch and AWS.
• Experience in delivering scalable AI/ML solutions integrated into production environments.
• Strong analytical problem-solving capability and creativity in addressing ambiguous problems.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate technical concepts to varied stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with a collaborative attitude and a leadership presence that challenges convention and promotes innovation.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(K) matched up to 7%
• Flexible Time Off
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Wellness benefits
• Monthly Team Events
• Modern Work/Collaboration Spaces