Staff Data Scientist

Zip Co

. Own the analytical strategy for Zip’s new product initiatives, serving as the senior analytics partner from early-stage exploration through scaled adoption .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $192,000 - $240,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and scaling AI/ML models, particularly in financial services, while effectively collaborating with engineering teams and mentoring junior data scientists. Strong analytical skills are complemented by a solid foundation in statistics and applied research methods.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Science ExperienceMachine Learning SolutionsPython ProficiencyFinancial Services ExpertiseProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine LearningData ScienceStatistical AnalysisNeural NetworksLLMsPythonSQLSparkApplied Research MethodsCashflow Data Analysis

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingSelf-Starter MentalityIndependent WorkCollaborationMentoring

Tools & Technologies

PlaidMXFinicityPySpark

Certifications & Qualifications

PhD in Quantitative Field

Industry Keywords

Financial ServicesRisk ManagementFraud DetectionData-Driven Decision MakingExperimental Design

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PySparkPythonSparkSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the analytical strategy for Zip’s new product initiatives, serving as the senior analytics partner from early-stage exploration through scaled adoption
Establish insights, measurement frameworks, and analytical foundations guiding product strategy, investment decisions, risk trade-offs, and sustainable growth
Define, architect, build, implement, and scale new ML/AI solutions
Build first-generation models leveraging rich new data sources
Mentor and partner with junior data scientists
Independently experiment and iterate using a test-and-learn approach
Balance short-term business gains with longer-term experimental work
Own solutions end-to-end and communicate with business stakeholders
Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy solutions in production
Design and build AI/ML models leveraging bank transaction data
Explore open-ended problems in bank transaction data and other sources
Rapidly experiment, build, and iterate on proofs of concept
Establish evaluation frameworks and decision criteria for scaling, changing, or stopping initiatives
Provide technical direction to data scientists on complex workstreams
Assist with test designs producing data for future model versions
Leverage AI across the stack, including custom neural network and LLM solutions
Build models mitigating risk while driving profitable growth
Ensure solutions are scalable and stable with engineering partners
Serve as primary technical owner and point of contact for domain models, advising senior stakeholders on trade-offs and implications

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a quantitative field (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Social Science, Computer Science)
7+ years of experience in Data Science (can include PhD work)
4+ years of experience in Data Science in Financial Services
Self-starter mentality with strong problem-solving and research skills; able to work independently to drive solutions
Solid grasp of the fundamentals of probability, statistics, and applied research methods
Experience working with cashflow data (e.g., Plaid, MX, Finicity)
Proficiency in Python and SQL; hands-on experience with Spark/PySpark a plus
Experience with Neural Networks, LLMs, GenAI
Experience with credit and/or fraud risk a plus
Proven track record managing large-scale projects end-to-end
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working culture
Incentive programs
Unlimited PTO
Generous paid parental leave
Leading family support policies
Company-sponsored 401k match
Learning and wellness subscription stipend
Beautiful Union Square office with a casual dress code
Industry-leading, employer-sponsored insurance for you and your dependents, with several 100% Zip-covered choices available
Bonus and/or commission awards may be included in total compensation