Data Scientist

Aviva Canada; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid flexible work model

Annual bonus

Retirement savings plan

Health benefits

Wellness programs

Volunteer opportunities

Career development opportunities

Extra vacation days

Job summary

Aviva Canada is seeking a data scientist to join the Fraud Data Science unit in Toronto. You will design, deploy, and maintain ML models that detect fraud, collaborating with data engineers and business partners across the full development lifecycle.

The role emphasizes productionizing models, real-time APIs, and clear communication of insights. Requires MSc and 2+ years of ML experience; hybrid work model and strong career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• MSc in relevant field; PhD preferred.
• 2+ years end-to-end ML model development with large datasets.
• 2+ years Python programming with software engineering practices.
• Proficiency in SQL and Git; experience in shared codebases.
• Experience productionizing ML models and MLOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable ML models.
• Transform large datasets into actionable insights and decisions.
• Develop approaches to pattern recognition using ML and statistics.
• Deploy models to real-time APIs with reliability and performance.
• Communicate insights to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain and optimize data pipelines.
• Drive delivery accountability for projects and BAU.
• Ensure solutions conform to IT and EA standards.

Skills

Python

Model development lifecycle

Data-driven decision making

Communication & collaboration

Strong code quality

Education

MSc in Computer Science/Engineering/Math/Statistics/Physics or related (PhD preferred)

Tools

SQL

Git

PostgreSQL

Teradata

Hadoop

AWS

CI/CD pipelines

APIs

Job description

Aviva Canada values care, commitment, community, and confidence. We put people first—our employees, our customers, and our communities—while protecting what matters most through a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and mutual growth.

Opportunity

Join a vibrant team of data scientists and engineers in the Fraud Data Science unit, where you will help shape future products and solutions for fraud detection. Your work will involve designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining machine‑learning‑based models that protect customers and the business, and you will collaborate closely with business partners throughout the full development lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable, production‑ready code and machine learning models.
• Transform large, complex datasets into actionable insights, recommendations, and data‑driven decisions.
• Develop innovative approaches to pattern recognition using machine learning, statistical, and analytical techniques.
• Design and deploy models to real‑time APIs, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability.
• Communicate insights and model outcomes clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Maintain, enhance, and optimize existing codebases and data pipelines.
• Drive delivery accountability for both project‑based initiatives and BAU work, aligned to agreed timelines and priorities.
• Ensure solutions conform to IT and Enterprise Architecture standards where applicable.

What You’ll Bring

• MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related field (PhD preferred).
• 2+ years of experience across the end‑to‑end model development lifecycle, working with large and complex datasets.
• 2+ years of experience programming in Python with a solid understanding of software engineering best practices.
• Proficiency in SQL and Git, with hands‑on experience collaborating in shared codebases.
• Experience productionizing machine learning models, including monitoring, maintenance, and MLOps practices.
• Familiarity with data warehouse concepts, ETL strategies, and data engineering best practices.
• A strong track record of building robust, maintainable, high‑quality code.
• Ability to operate optimally in a data‑driven software engineering environment and translate data into business value.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across disciplines.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience working with cloud‑based data platforms and technologies such as PostgreSQL, Teradata, Hadoop, and AWS.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern deployment practices.
• Exposure to fraud, insurance, or highly regulated domains.
• Hands‑on experience building and consuming APIs.
• A creative, curious, and resourceful approach to problem solving.

What You’ll Get

• The salary band for this position ranges from $80,000 to $120,000, with individual compensation based on knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for an annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• Outstanding career development opportunities.
• Support for your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase five additional days off per year.
• Employee‑driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy posted both internally and externally.

Aviva Canada may use AI tools to assist throughout the recruitment process. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner to arrange it.