Applied Scientist

Upstart

7h•$141,500 - $196,000•Remote

About The Position

Upstart's Unsecured Underwriting Machine Learning team develops and improves the models that inform credit decisions for their unsecured lending products. The team conducts machine learning research, evaluates model performance, and partners closely with engineering teams to translate promising ideas into scalable model improvements. As an Applied Scientist, you will research and implement enhancements to Upstart’s core unsecured underwriting model. Your work will directly influence credit decisioning and help the team increase the pace of research while maintaining the rigor, reliability, and responsible oversight required of production underwriting models.

Requirements

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.

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.

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.

Benefits

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
Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 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 (opening Summer 2026!)