Senior Applied Machine Learning Scientist, Generative AI

TD; Canada; On-site; CAD 156,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global financial institution in Canada is seeking an experienced professional to lead the AI/ML Model Validation team. This role involves validating complex AI/ML models, particularly in Generative AI and Deep Learning. The ideal candidate will have advanced skills in AI/ML and experience in managing teams. The position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth as part of a dynamic environment focused on innovation and excellence.

Benefits

Health benefits

Career development programs

Variable compensation

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in developing or validating AI models.
• Experience in leading a team of machine learning scientists.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure or AWS.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D in GenAI/Agentic/LLM evaluation.
• Validate AI/ML models and provide effective challenge to developers.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Advanced quantitative and AI / ML skills

Deep Learning

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong critical and analytic thinking skills

Project management

Education

Post-secondary degree in computer science, machine learning / AI, etc.

Tools

PyTorch

LangChain

HuggingFace

Job description

Overview

Work Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Hours: 37.5

Line of Business: Analytics, Insights, & Artificial Intelligence

Pay Details: $156,500 - $190,000 CAD

The pay details posted reflect a temporary market premium specific to this role that is reassessed annually. TD is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation opportunities to all colleagues. Growth opportunities and skill development are defining features of the colleague experience at TD. Our compensation policies and practices have been designed to allow colleagues to progress through the salary range over time as they progress in their role. The base pay actually offered may vary based upon the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, geographic location, and other specific business and organizational needs. As a candidate, you are encouraged to ask compensation related questions and have an open dialogue with your recruiter who can provide you more specific details for this role.

Job Description:

The Model Validation (MV) group is a centralized Model Risk Management function within the Bank. It has seen fast growth in the past few years reflecting global regulators' increasing attention on model risk. The Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) Model Validation (MV) group is responsible for the review/vetting and approval of AI/ML models developed and used across the enterprise (e.g., Fraud, Retail Credit Risk, Marketing, NLP, TD Wealth, TD Asset Management, Treasury Balance Sheet Management, TD Insurance, TD Securities), including Generative AI and other contemporary Deep Learning models.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D in the GenAI/Agentic/LLM evaluation and testing areas.
• Lead a team of Machine Learning Scientists to perform validation of complex AI/ML models, particularly Generative AI, LLMs / NLP and Deep Learning models.
• Validate (review, test/evaluate, and provide effective challenge to the model developers) AI/ML models, particularly Generative AI and Deep Learning models.
• Recommend the approval of models or other corrective actions based on the independent validation.
  • Lead and support a team of model validators.
  • Ensure performance objectives are set for all staff and that performance feedback is provided on a regular basis.
  • Communicate group objectives and strategies and align group activities in support of business objectives.
• Support employee development activities, coach and support direct reports in meeting their personal development objectives.
• Assume a leadership role in developing standards and procedures for vetting and validation of Generative AI, NLP and diverse Deep Learning models that are compliant with the Bank's internal Model Risk Policy, adhere with industry and academic best practices, and meet regulatory requirements.
• Respond to requests from both Canadian and U.S. regulators, internal and external audit in their review/audit of models and vetting/validation process and procedures. Provide information and assistance as required.
• Work effectively with internal Model Development groups, Audit, and other internal partners to ensure models meet required Bank standards for use.
• Play a key role in ensuring the appropriate use of AI/ML models. Identify the need to implement new models/techniques as industry standards evolve and regulatory requirements change.
• Maintain full professional knowledge of techniques and developments in the field of AI and Machine Learning, and share knowledge with business partners and senior management. Provide subject matter expertise to business units on Generative AI, LLMs / NLP and other Deep Learning modeling and validation.
• Stay up to date with advancements in the field of Generative AI including major publications, important Large Language Models (LLMs), evaluation metrics, technology stacks, and datasets.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal partners from different model development groups and other relevant 2nd line risk control functions.

Job Requirements

• Advanced quantitative and AI / ML skills with post-secondary degree in one or more of the following areas: computer science, machine learning / AI, engineering, statistics, mathematics, etc.
• 4+ years of experience in either developing or validating Generative AI, LLMs, NLP and other Deep Learning models; and 2+ years of experience in leading a small team of machine learning scientists.
• In-depth knowledge of AI/ML methodologies, concepts and theory including Generative AI, Deep Learning, modern NLP, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Transformers, Diffusion models, and etc.
• Experience with Deep Learning and Generative AI technology stacks and libraries such as PyTorch, PromptFlow, LangChain, HuggingFace, etc.
• Motivated to stay up to date with the latest advancements in Generative AI, machine learning, and cloud technologies.
• Proficient in one or more scripting/programming languages such as Python.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS) and big data technologies (e.g., PySpark, Hadoop).
• Familiarity with Data Structures, Algorithm design, and principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).
• Knowledge of machine learning explainability/interpretability algorithms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong critical and analytic thinking skills.
• Excellent time / project management and multitasking skills with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publications in relevant conferences and journals and research in GenAI/LLM field is a plus.
• Ability to implement AI/ML algorithms from academic research papers is a plus.

Who We Are

TD is one of the world's leading global financial institutions and is the fifth largest bank in North America by branches/stores. We deliver legendary customer experiences to millions of households and businesses. We are guided by our vision to Be the Better Bank and our purpose to enrich the lives of our customers, communities and colleagues.

TD is committed to being a leader in customer experience. We support colleagues through leadership development, mentorship, and training programs to help achieve career goals. We keep growing—and so will you.

Our Total Rewards Package

Our Total Rewards package reflects the investments we make in our colleagues to help them and their families achieve their financial, physical, and mental well-being goals. It includes base salary, variable compensation, and plans such as health benefits, retirement programs, paid time off, banking benefits and discounts, career development, and recognition programs.

Additional Information

Please note that this job opportunity is subject to provincial regulation for employment purposes. Each province or territory within the jurisdiction of Canada may have its own regulations.

Colleague Development

You'll have regular career, development, and performance conversations with your manager, access to online learning, and mentoring programs to unlock future opportunities.

Training & Onboarding

We provide training and onboarding sessions to ensure success in the role.

Interview Process

We will reach out to candidates of interest to schedule an interview and aim to communicate outcomes by email or phone.

Accommodation

Your accessibility is important to us. Please request accommodations to help participate in the interview process.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Language Requirement (Quebec only): Sans Objet