Applied Scientist

Upstart

3d•$141,500 - $196,000•Remote

About The Position

Upstart’s Machine Learning team applies machine learning and statistical methods to improve risk evaluation and lending decisions. The team combines scientific research, experimentation, and engineering to develop models that support Upstart’s mission of expanding access to affordable credit. As an Applied Scientist, you will develop and evaluate machine learning models that address business problems. You will work with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional partners to translate complex data into modeling improvements and measurable outcomes. This role is remote.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
0–2 years of experience in machine learning, applied statistics, or a related quantitative field.
Experience developing or evaluating machine learning models using Python.
Experience applying statistical methods, including hypothesis testing, regression, or predictive modeling, to quantitative datasets.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, ideally a PhD, in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
Knowledge of supervised learning techniques, model evaluation, and feature engineering.
Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn.
Experience working with large-scale datasets using SQL or distributed data processing tools.
Ability to communicate modeling approaches and experimental results to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Responsibilities

Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models to improve predictive performance and support lending decisions.
Analyze large datasets to identify patterns, develop features, and inform modeling approaches.
Design and execute experiments to assess model performance, validate hypotheses, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with scientists and engineers to implement, monitor, and refine models in production environments.
Document methodologies, communicate findings, and contribute to reproducible scientific workflows.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including base pay, 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.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discounted stock purchase options for eligible US employees.
Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US employees, and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
Health Savings Account contributions for eligible US plans.
Life insurance and disability coverage.
Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays.
Paid family and parental leave.
Family-centered benefits supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving.
Employee Assistance Program offering mental health support and life-centered resources.
Financial wellness resources, including financial planning tools and a financial concierge service for US employees.
Annual wellness allowance supporting physical and emotional well-being and personal development.
Annual productivity allowance for relevant work tools and resources.
Team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups.
Catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from company offices.