Data Scientist - Model Governance

TransUnion • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Services Analytics team develops credit risk management and business intelligence solutions through client consulting engagements and research. The team operates in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment using modern big data, cloud computing, statistical, and machine learning technologies and reports to VP of Data Science and Analytics. This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, applied mathematics, financial mathematics, engineering, operations research, or another highly quantitative field.
• At least four years of professional analytical experience within financial services, consumer credit, or a related industry, including experience solving complex business and risk-related problems using data.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret information, identify risks, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical and governance-related information to stakeholders at multiple levels within and outside the organization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple assignments, priorities, documentation requests, and validation activities.
• Advanced programming skills with proficiency in a statistical programming language such as R.
• Experience using SQL (Structured Query Language) for data extraction, manipulation, segmentation, and analysis of large datasets.
• Experience developing analytical programs using data manipulation and programming technologies such as Python, Hive, Pig, or similar tools.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis on large population datasets using server-based or cloud computing platforms.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation, analysis, presentations, project tracking, and stakeholder communication.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in statistics, applied mathematics, financial mathematics, engineering, operations research, or another highly quantitative field, along with at least two years of advanced analytical experience in financial services, consumer credit, or a related industry.
• Familiarity with credit bureau data, consumer credit risk, and credit bureau business practices.
• Experience with model risk management, model governance, model validation, regulatory documentation, or the interest and capability to develop expertise in model risk governance and controls.
• Experience serving as a model governance subject matter expert or providing project-based leadership to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience working in a global organization and with modern big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and cloud computing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Support the creation and maintenance of model risk management policies, procedures, standards, and guidance that reinforce the organization’s model risk management framework.
• Collect, review, organize, and maintain model documentation provided by model developers in preparation for independent validation.
• Respond to model documentation requests from clients, regulators, and internal auditors while balancing transparency requirements with the protection of TransUnion’s intellectual property.
• Partner with model developers, Legal, Compliance, and other stakeholders to streamline model governance processes and create standardized templates and documentation language.
• Maintain the enterprise model inventory and recommend and implement enhancements to improve its accuracy, usability, and governance.
• Develop and manage the annual model validation plan, track validation activities, and support timely completion of scheduled validations.
• Create, maintain, and present model risk management training materials to model developers and other key stakeholders.
• Design and write programs for data extraction, segmentation, and statistical analysis of large population datasets using R, Python, SQL, Hive, and Spark across server-based and cloud computing environments.
• Support the development of credit risk management and business intelligence analytical solutions through consulting engagements and research for TransUnion clients.

Benefits

• Day-one eligibility for medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus supplemental plan options.
• Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select plans.
• Tax‑advantaged HSA and FSA accounts.
• Company‑paid basic life and AD&D.
• Optional voluntary life and AD&D for you and your family.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Legal plan.
• Pet insurance.
• Travel accident coverage.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility planning coverage.
• Caregiver support.
• Dependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match.
• Complimentary Care@Work membership.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave with eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Financial wellness resources.
• Career coaching.
• Optional long‑term care insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees.
• Up to 12 paid holidays per year.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee discounts.
• Charitable gift matching.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Corporate volunteer events.
• 24/7 support including professional therapy, coaching, and emotional well‑being programs.
• Guided meditation and resources that support physical, mental, social, and financial wellness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level