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Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML/GenAI Specialist)

Washington D.C. / New York

About VantageScore

At VantageScore we drive impact for good on a massive scale impacting tens of millions of people across the United States. Our mission is to be the leading credit modeling company delivering the most predictive, most innovative, and most inclusive tri-bureau models and attributes in the US market. Our innovation is increasing access for millions more Americans to financial products and homeownership. Our models are among, if not the most, inclusive in the United States and power billions of credits scores a year.

We are fueled by a growing, exceptionally talented team and are actively seeking individuals who can join us in driving us toward our ambitious goals. At VantageScore, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work within a fast-paced, independent start-up culture while enjoying the financial stability that comes from being backed by the three leading US credit bureaus.

VantageScore® consumer credit scoring models combine the need for both financial inclusion and dependable predictiveness across all scoring ranges. An industry thought leader and technology innovation leader, the company’s most recent models score approximately 94 percent of all adults 18 and older - including 33 million more people than conventional models - without sacrificing safety and soundness. As a result, lenders using VantageScore can extend credit to those who have been historically marginalized, including minority and lower-to-middle-income Americans. VantageScore credit scores are used by over 3,700 banks, fintechs and other companies use VantageScore credit scores every day to assess consumer creditworthiness.

Last year, over 42 billion VantageScore credit scores were used representing a 55% yearly increase. All 10 US banks use VantageScore credit scores or digital tools in one or more line of business. Starting in 2025 the FHFA has required VantageScore credit scores to be used for all mortgages sold to, or guaranteed by, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Get started using VantageScore credit scores today - we are the leader in predictive power and financial inclusion.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML) to join our brilliant team of analytics professionals and developers, supporting the cutting-edge development of credit scoring models, generation of unique insights, and delivery of transformative technologies rooted in innovative value propositions.

In this role, you will be essential to credit score model innovation, credit and open banking related research initiatives, pilot program analyses with lenders and fintech partners, and ongoing model monitoring and reporting processes. You’ll bring your expertise in AI/ML and GenAI/Large Language Models (LLMs) to advance our use of structured and unstructured data to deliver new products and insights.

You’ll partner cross-functionally to deliver scalable AI-powered products and solutions that redefine how consumers engage with credit - ensuring our models are accurate, explainable, and aligned with our mission to empower responsible lending and financial inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct advanced research on structured and unstructured data, developing insights to support product management and new product development.
  • Contribute to the design, development, evaluation, and deployment of machine learning (ML) models, including credit risk and predictive models.
  • Serve as the team’s expert on GenAI/LLMs, adapting and fine-tuning models and ensuring explainability and compliance.
  • Drive pilot program analyses, including back-testing, rejection inference, and performance analyses using diverse data sets.
  • Improve and maintain existing model monitoring processes and develop compelling data visualizations and dashboards to communicate key insights to stakeholders.
  • Partner with engineers to operationalize models into production systems, ensuring scalability and resilience at high data and inference volumes.
  • Research and apply emerging AI/ML, GenAI/LLM technologies, staying abreast of state-of-the-art methods, tools, and best practices.
  • Translate complex analyses into clear, actionable business recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Contribute to thought leadership through white papers, presentations, and insights shared internally and externally.

Basic Qualifications

  • Master’s or PhD degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Data Science, Applied Mathematics/Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Econometrics).
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in advanced analytics, AI/ML/LLM, and data science in research and/or corporate environments.
  • Proficiency in Python for data science and machine learning workflows.
  • Proven experience with machine learning techniques (classification, clustering, regression, neural networks) for predictive risk and credit modeling.
  • Strong track record of conducting research, developing analyses, and producing clear and impactful presentations or publications.
  • Experience delivering insights and solutions that drive business impact.
  • Experience working in Agile and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Deep expertise in GenAI - Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) - including training, fine-tuning, explainability, and deployment.
  • Deep expertise in advanced ML techniques (self-supervised learning, training optimization, explainability) with focus on credit scoring.
  • Proficiency with modern ML/AI technology stack, such as PyTorch, AWS and related tools.
  • Experience delivering innovative, scalable AI/ML solutions integrated into production platforms.
  • High-level analytical problem-solving ability, with creativity in defining and solving ambiguous problems.
  • Exceptional communication skills, able to convey technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated with a collaborative mindset and leadership presence - capable of challenging the status quo and championing innovation.

Additional

  • Salary Range: 150K Base +  Bonus
  • Generous Benefits: 401(K) matched up to 7%, Flexible Time Off, 12 Paid Holidays, Medical/Dental/Vision/Wellness benefits, Monthly Team Events, Modern Work/Collaboration Spaces

Join Us and Be the Catalyst of Change in Fintech! 

Are you a Senior Data Scientist who thrives on innovation and has a deep passion for fintech? We invite you to take the leap and join our team. Together, let’s embark on a mission to redefine the industry and propel your career to new heights at VantageScore!

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