Senior Data Scientist

About Upstart

Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than two-thirds of Upstart loans are approved instantly and are fully automated.

Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you!

The Team: 

Upstart leverages machine learning to expand access to credit and optimize borrower acquisition through both outbound marketing and partner platforms. By developing advanced models to predict conversion probabilities and optimize loan offers, the ML Growth team enhances marketing efficiency, expands Upstart’s reach, and drives significant revenue impact. These efforts are integral to Upstart’s growth and overall success.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will develop a deep understanding of our marketing models and their interaction with Upstart’s products. You will tackle diverse challenges, including designing and analyzing A/B tests, modeling price sensitivity, conducting in-depth data analysis to uncover growth opportunities, and building scalable data pipelines and dashboards. Collaborating with ML scientists, engineers, product managers, and growth marketers, your work will drive data-informed decisions and measurable business impact.

How you’ll make an impact

• Design and analyze experiments (A/B tests, causal inference studies) to measure marketing effectiveness and guide business decisions.
• Conduct in-depth data analyses to uncover growth opportunities, assess marketing performance, and inform strategy.
• Collaborate with engineers to build scalable data pipelines that enable efficient data access and analysis.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (ML scientists, engineers, product managers, and growth marketers) to align on priorities and drive measurable business impact.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools to monitor key metrics, track campaign performance, and ensure visibility into marketing effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• 2+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or related fields.
• Strong proficiency in SQL for querying and analyzing large datasets.
• Experience with Python and data analysis libraries.
• Hands-on experience designing and analyzing A/B tests.
• Proven ability to translate complex data insights into business impact and strategic recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in marketing analytics, user acquisition, or pricing optimization.
• Familiarity with direct mail, partner marketing, or other growth channels.
• Knowledge of causal inference methods (e.g., propensity score matching, difference-in-differences).
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including ML scientists, engineers, and marketers.

Position location This role is available in the following locations: Remote

Time zone requirements The team operates on the East/West coast time zones.

Travel requirements As a digital first company, the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsite. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time.

What you'll love: 

• Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart 
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave  
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
• Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-Associate

At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package.  The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).

Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together. 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email candidate_accommodations@upstart.com

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