Senior Data Scientist

Aviva; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in Toronto seeks a Senior Data Scientist to drive data-driven projects that impact millions. The role involves developing machine learning models and transforming data into meaningful insights. Candidates should have an MSc and at least 5 years of experience with Python. The company offers a competitive rewards package, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development, aimed at fostering innovation in the insurance industry.

Benefits

Base compensation

Annual bonus eligibility

Health benefits

Competitive vacation package

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years experience with model development and large datasets.
• Strong proficiency in Python and software engineering methodologies.
• Background in data science and statistical approaches.

Responsibilities

• Transform data into meaningful conclusions & recommendations.
• Develop machine learning solutions for pattern recognition.
• Communicate recommendations based on model results.

Skills

Python programming

Machine learning

Data analysis

Education

MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Statistics, or Physics

Tools

Data mining tools

Job description

Experience Aviva

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.

The Opportunity

Join an exciting team of data scientists and engineers at the forefront of using data to drive decisions at every level of our organization. The insurance industry is transforming, and you get to be in the driver's seat of this data-driven technology revolution.

You will work on impactful projects that range from predicting customer lifetime values to optimizing customer journeys or leveraging machine-learning algorithms to automate and predict claim outcomes and find new and innovative ways to impact our customers.

As a senior Data Scientist, you will be part of the Data Science Price Modelling and Innovation team, a dynamic team with exposure to different business partners and direct influence on future products and innovative solutions. You will be integral to the end-to-end SDLC process, from ideation to production support to model monitoring. With support from our team and your paired mentor, you will develop and deploy machine learning and statistical models for practical applications that impact millions of customers. The team has already developed algorithms used in production systems, and you will be part of the team expanding these algorithms' scope. Grow your career with us as we create the InsureTech revolution!

The insurance industry has entered a period of unprecedented change, disruption, and rapid technological development. Aviva recognizes that in this rapidly changing environment building a distinctive capability in Data Science is essential - demonstrating this dedication through developing our Data Science Practice. If you are passionate about Data Science and leveraging your analytical prowess to tackle business challenges, this role could be for you. We are adopting new technology and exploring new ways of working. With our constant advancement, you will be at the forefront of a fast-evolving field. These exciting roles are at the heart of an impactful Data Science team that is redefining Aviva in the Digital age. Here, we create a long-lasting legacy and optimize every customer's experience.

What you’ll do:

• Transformation of sophisticated data sets into meaningful conclusions & recommendations
• Develop innovative solutions for pattern recognition using machine learning and statistical approaches
• Maintenance of a growing set of data mining tools, frameworks & approaches
• Communicate practical recommendations based on insights/model results
• Driving co-ordination/delivery accountability of project and BAU delivery based on timelines & direction
• Driving conformance/Alignment to IT/Enterprise Architecture standards (where applicable)

What you’ll bring:

• An educational background in computer science or engineering, math, statistics, physics or a related field. A minimum of an MSc is required, and PhD is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with model development and working with large datasets. This can include experience from any industry or academia (post‑doc experience).
• 5+ programming experience in Python with a good grasp of software engineering standard methodologies such as code‑reusability, modularity, use of reports, etc.

What makes you stand out:

• A growth mindset with versatile skills and ability to work through problems from first principles.
• A portfolio of projects that demonstrate your ability to draw inferences from data. This includes participation within the broader data science community, including Kaggle competitions or any personal projects with open data.
• A can‑do teammate willing to roll up their sleeves and do whatever is needed to move projects forward. That means, at times you will wear different hats and be a project manager, developer, modeler and chief communicator of solutions.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to translate and communicate complex algorithms to non-technical individuals. Someone who understands that it is not enough just to have a phenomenal algorithm but meaningful to build an agreement for the solution from different partners.
• The best problems in the industry are yet to be articulated. We need someone who is creative, self‑motivated and can lead projects independently.

What you’ll get:

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• Outstanding career development opportunities.
• We’ll support your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra 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 which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to assist us throughout the recruitment process to screen, assess or select applicants for a position.

Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require an accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.