Staff Data Scientist - Payments

Circle•San Francisco, CA

5d•$195,000 - $257,500•Remote

About The Position

Circle is seeking a Staff Data Scientist to join their Payments team. This role involves partnering with product, payments, and business leaders to transform data into strategic insights that drive decision-making and product innovation. The Staff Data Scientist will leverage advanced analytics, experimentation, and quantitative methods to understand customer behavior, product performance, and the payments ecosystem. As a subject matter expert, this individual will influence product strategy, identify new business opportunities, and help shape the future of Circle’s payments products. The role requires building scalable data solutions, leading complex analytical initiatives, and providing thought leadership. This position is ideal for someone curious, comfortable with ambiguity, skilled in solving complex business problems, and motivated by creating measurable impact.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Data Science, Analytics, Economics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
Advanced proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language such as Python or R.
Deep expertise in statistical modeling, experimentation, causal inference, and quantitative methods.
Proven track record of independently leading large-scale analytical and data science initiatives from ambiguous problem statements to measurable business outcomes.
Strong experience influencing product strategy, business decisions, and senior stakeholders through data-driven recommendations.
Experience building scalable data products, analytical frameworks, and self-service capabilities that drive organizational leverage.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail and data quality.

Nice To Haves

Deep experience working with payments products, payment networks, fintech, or financial services platforms.
Experience analyzing blockchain datasets, onchain transaction activity, and public ledger data.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Payments team to design and develop foundational datasets, metrics, and analytical frameworks that support product strategy and business decision-making.
Analyze customer behavior, product adoption, and transaction activity to generate actionable insights that improve payment experiences and drive business growth.
Research onchain payments ecosystems, blockchain transaction data, and competitive payment solutions to inform product development and market positioning.
Lead strategic analyses that identify new opportunities for product innovation, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
Build scalable reporting, dashboarding, and automation solutions using SQL, Python, and business intelligence tools to increase organizational leverage.
Communicate analytical findings through compelling visualizations and data storytelling tailored to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.
Influence product and business strategy by partnering cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Operations, and Business leaders to drive data-informed decision-making.