Data Scientist, AI & Machine Learning

Scotiabank; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Scotiabank is seeking a Data Scientist for AI & Machine Learning to develop and deploy AI-driven document understanding solutions. You will collaborate with data scientists, data engineers, and software developers to translate business challenges into scalable models and robust data pipelines.

You will apply Gemini prompting techniques and modern Python tooling, contributing to production-grade AI models while aligning with risk culture and governance across the organization.

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in Python for data manipulation, modeling, and pipelines.
• Proven hands-on experience designing and optimizing prompts for advanced LLMs (Gemini or similar).
• Direct experience with document understanding tasks, including OCR and information extraction from complex forms.
• Practical experience with ML/AI techniques: supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, NLP.
• Experience with big data tools such as SQL, Hadoop, and Spark.
• Ability to ingest, clean, and work with large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
• DevOps principles and software engineering practices: Git, CI/CD, Agile delivery.
• University degree or higher in STEM fields.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Working knowledge of Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and implement models for document understanding tasks (extraction, classification).
• Write and maintain high-quality Python code to preprocess and process large document datasets.
• Design, build, and evaluate ML models for document understanding with focus on accuracy, fairness, and scalability.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers and Software Developers to deploy solutions into production.
• Stay current with advances in generative AI and related tooling.
• Support R&D initiatives applying AI/ML techniques to business challenges.
• Provide end-to-end ownership from data to deployed models.

Skills

Python

LLM prompting

Document understanding

ML/AI techniques

SQL/Hadoop/Spark

Data ingestion/processing

DevOps & CI/CD

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Power BI knowledge

Education

University degree or postgraduate degree in STEM

Tools

SQL

Hadoop

Spark

Git

CI/CD

Power BI

Job description

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Title: Data Scientist, AI & Machine Learning

Requisition ID: 274714

Join a purpose driven winning team, committed to results, in an inclusive and high-performing culture.

Overview

Scotiabank is seeking a highly specialized and innovative Data Scientist to join our Global Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning team. This role is central to building and deploying next-generation AI/ML products across the bank’s business lines, focusing specifically on leveraging advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to transform how we process, understand, and extract value from complex, unstructured documents.The ideal candidate will be an integral part of the organization’s AI/ML strategy, using cutting-edge Gemini prompting techniques and robust Python coding to solve high-impact business challenges. Success in this role requires strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills, as you will frequently partner with business leaders, technical teams, and cross-functional stakeholders across the bank.

Is this role right for you? In this role, you will:

The Data Scientist will be a core member of the Global AI/ML team, focused on creating value for both the bank and its customers through AI-driven products. You will work closely with a diverse team of data scientists, data engineers, AI/ML product managers, and software developers to understand business partner challenges and processes, turning those insights into scalable, working solutions. You will have direct exposure to production models and will be responsible for designing and delivering new, high-impact AI/ML solutions while considering the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture in all decision-making.

Technical Delivery and Development

• Develop, test, and implement highly effective models optimized for specific document understanding tasks (e.g., data extraction, classification).
• Write and maintain high-quality Python code to preprocess, process, and analyze large volumes of structured and unstructured documents, building robust data pipelines.
• Design, build, and rigorously evaluate specialized machine learning models for document understanding, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and scalability.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers and Software Developers to develop and deploy document understanding solutions efficiently and reliably into production environments.
• Stay up to date on the latest advances in generative AI, Python coding libraries, machine learning best practices, and the field of Document AI.
• Support Research & Development initiatives focused on applying design thinking and advanced AI/ML techniques to solve business challenges.

Collaboration and Strategy

• Support high-impact analytical use cases across a diverse set of business lines, delivering AI/ML products that create value for both customers and the organization.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and partners to define, promote, and enforce machine learning and artificial intelligence best practices across the organization.
• Understand how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in decision-making related to model development and deployment.
• Work seamlessly with Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Software Engineers, and AI/ML Product Managers to implement scalable AI/ML solutions across the bank.
• Communicate project progress, technical concepts, and business value clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed in this role? We'd love to work with you if you have:

• Expert-level proficiency in Python for data manipulation, statistical modeling, and pipeline development.
• Proven, hands‑on experience designing and optimizing prompts for advanced Large Language Models (specifically Gemini or comparable LLMs) tailored for structured document analysis.
• Direct experience with document understanding tasks, including working with unstructured text, OCR output, and information extraction from complex forms, records, or contracts.
• Practical experience with ML/AI techniques, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, deep learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
• Experience with big data tools and technologies such as SQL, Hadoop, and Spark.
• Proven ability to ingest, clean, and work effectively with large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
• Experience with DevOps principles and software engineering best practices, including Git, CI/CD pipelines, and Agile delivery methodologies.
• University degree or postgraduate degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field).
• Effective communication skills with the ability to prepare clear project documentation and deliver compelling presentations.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into tangible business value and collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Working knowledge of visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and build effective working relationships across the organization.

Location(s): Canada : Ontario : Toronto

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.

At Scotiabank, we value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Bank, and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternate format documents, ASL Interpreter, or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our Recruitment team know. If you require technical assistance, please click here.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at Scotiabank; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.