[Hiring] Staff Applied Scientist @Upstart

Role Description

As an Applied Scientist in the Unsecured Underwriting Machine Learning team at Upstart, you will:

• Research machine learning and statistical approaches that improve the predictive performance of unsecured underwriting models.
• Design, implement, and evaluate model enhancements using rigorous experimentation and validation methods.
• Analyze model performance and downstream effects to confirm that proposed changes improve decisioning reliably.
• Partner with various Engineering teams to support technical reviews, implementation, and deployment.
• Translate research findings into clear recommendations, documented methodologies, and production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, econometrics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
• 2+ years of experience conducting machine learning, statistical modeling, or applied quantitative research in an academic or industry setting.
• Experience developing and evaluating machine learning or statistical models using Python.
• Demonstrated knowledge of probability, statistics, and machine learning methods.
• Experience designing experiments or validation analyses to assess model accuracy, reliability, or predictive performance.

Requirements

• PhD in a quantitative field (preferred).
• Knowledge of supervised learning, model evaluation, and feature engineering techniques.
• Experience working with large or complex datasets and translating research concepts into implemented solutions.
• Ability to balance research velocity with analytical rigor, model reliability, and responsible decision-making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.
• Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada).
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only).
• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only).
• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements.
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country).
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources.
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only).
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you.
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from.
• Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs).
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City.