Senior Data Scientist (Machine Learning)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Machine Learning Scientist to be a pivotal member of our dedicated Debt Collection team. In this highly collaborative role, you will work in close partnership with another data professional to tackle our most significant challenges. You will apply your deep expertise in machine learning to develop and enhance predictive models that score users on their payment potential, optimize collection strategies, and uncover critical insights. Reporting to the Team Lead, your role will be essential in transforming complex data into actionable strategies through advanced modelling and impactful, data-driven storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop & Deploy ML Models: Actively contribute to the design, training, and implementation of advanced machine learning models for payment forecasting, user behavior prediction, and customer segmentation.
• Enhance User Scoring Systems: Improve and maintain the core scoring system used to evaluate the payment potential of users, a key component that directly influences our risk and collection strategies.
• Conduct Advanced Analytics: Perform deep-dive exploratory data analyses (EDA) using both supervised and unsupervised techniques to generate actionable insights into payment behaviors and financial trends.
• Maintain Data Infrastructure: Maintain and optimize the underlying data infrastructure by managing and creating views, materialized views, and procedures to ensure data integrity, performance, and accessibility for analysis.
• Partner and Collaborate: Work as a strategic partner with the other data team member, sharing knowledge, tackling complex problems together, and collectively advancing the team's analytical capabilities.
• Utilize Data Platforms: Employ expert-level SQL to applying ad-hoc queries and on large datasets from our various platforms, including Oracle, for analysis and modelling.
• Communicate with Impact: Serve as a key data storyteller for the team, effectively communicating model outcomes, analytical findings, and strategic recommendations to the team lead and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Skills

• Senior-Level Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in a data science or machine learning role, with a proven track record of contributing to impactful ML models.
• Technical Mastery:

Deep expertise in Python and its data science ecosystem (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, XGBoost, TensorFlow/PyTorch).
Exceptional SQL skills, with the ability to write highly optimized queries for complex data extraction and manipulation.

• Advanced Machine Learning:

Comprehensive knowledge of ML theory and practice, including supervised/unsupervised algorithms, prediction/forecasting techniques, and model validation.
Demonstrated experience with the full ML model deployment lifecycle.

• Analytical & Strategic Mindset: A strong aptitude for EDA, problem-solving, and the ability to think strategically about how data can address business challenges.
• Effective Communication & Storytelling: Proven ability to translate complex data findings into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for team leadership.
• Collaborative Spirit: A strong team player with experience working effectively in a collaborative environment, sharing responsibility and driving projects forward together.

Nice to Haves

• Experience working in the fintech, financial services, or debt collection industry.
• Experience using BI and visualization tools like Metabase.