Director, Data Scientist

Mastercard • Toronto, ON

5d • CA$154,000 - CA$247,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mastercard Security Solutions Data Science team is seeking a Director of Data Science to lead the development and delivery of machine learning models focused on Anti-Money Laundering and crypto risk detection- protecting financial institutions and cardholders across the Americas. In this role, you will operate as a player-coach, combining hands-on technical contribution with leadership of a small, high-performing team of data scientists. You will own end-to-end model development, drive technical direction, and ensure strong alignment with Product and Engineering partners-playing a pivotal role in strengthening Mastercard's financial crime prevention capabilities across the region.

Requirements

• Hands on experience in data science with a strong focus on financial crime, AML, or fraud detection, and a demonstrated ability to lead teams while remaining an active hands-on contributor.
• Strong track record of delivering production machine learning models in complex, large-scale environments, with the ability to operate across the full lifecycle from problem framing through deployment and performance evaluation.
• Strong programming proficiency in Python, with hands-on experience working with large-scale datasets and distributed data platforms.
• Highly autonomous and outcome-focused, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments and influence across both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with proven ability to work effectively across Product and Experience leading engineering teams and translating complex technical work into clear direction and outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to executive and non technical audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in payments, financial services, or an adjacent domain.
• Experience with AML detection systems, crypto or emerging payments risk, anomaly detection, behavioral modelling, or model governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of data scientists, setting clear priorities and ensuring high-quality, outcome-focused delivery.
• Act as a senior practitioner, contributing directly to the design, development, and improvement of AML and crypto risk detection models across the full lifecycle — from data preparation and prototyping through to production performance and iteration.
• Define and evolve the technical roadmap for AML and crypto risk detection solutions.
• Partner closely with Product teams to shape the offering, identify opportunities to improve model impact, and provide a clear data science perspective.
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to establish effective ways of working, ensuring clear ownership boundaries and efficient delivery across systems and pipelines.
• Ensure high standards of model quality, documentation, explainability, and governance.

Benefits

• competitive pay based on location, experience and other qualifications for the role
• may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program

What This Job Offers

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