Senior AI Scientist Advanced Analytics - CDAIO

Santander; Boadilla del Monte; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses

Flexible hybrid work models

Access to professional development courses

Health and wellness programs

Childcare support

Gym membership

Medical centers at some facilities

Meal allowance

Parking and shuttle services

Job summary

A leading global financial institution in Madrid is seeking a Senior AI Scientist to lead strategic AI initiatives that transform data science in innovative ways. The role requires extensive experience in data science and machine learning, focusing on advanced modeling and cross-functional collaboration. With a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and measurable impact, this position offers competitive compensation and a variety of perks, including flexible work schedules and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7–12 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or applied AI.
• Strong foundation in statistics, experimental design and model evaluation.
• Practical experience with modern AI techniques.
• Ability to lead project-level execution as a senior individual contributor.
• Strong programming skills (Python) and familiarity with modern ML frameworks.
• Experience contributing within cross-functional teams and owning technical components.
• Ability to lead project-level execution as a senior individual contributor.
• Curiosity about emerging AI tools with disciplined validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage strategic AI initiatives for measurable value.
• Transform traditional data science into AI Science.
• Deploy advanced modeling approaches beyond conventional pipelines.
• Collaborate with teams to evolve prototypes into reliable systems.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Applied AI

Statistical analysis

Problem framing

Python programming

Curiosity for AI tools

Tools

ML frameworks

Distributed data systems

Job description

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a high‑impact global brand to a technology‑driven organization, putting people at the heart of this journey. We are driving a customer‑centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what is possible:

Our mission is to help people and businesses thrive. As part of the global AI Transformation team, you will lead and manage strategic AI initiatives that drive impact across global companies and key functions. You will connect business, AI, and technology to ensure solutions create measurable value.

Country: Spain

Main Responsibilities

The Senior AI Scientist in Advanced Analytics leads the evolution of traditional data science into AI Science, leveraging modern learning systems and agentic architectures to transform how models are designed, evaluated, and operated. The role combines a strong individual contributor focus with leadership of project direction. You will frame business challenges as scientific problems, design experimental strategies, and deploy advanced modeling approaches that go beyond conventional pipelines, applying graph‑based learning, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, advanced retrieval methods, and Generative AI where appropriate. You will work hands‑on within project squads, contributing to data preparation, model design, experimentation, validation, and operationalization. Your role emphasizes scientific rigor, measurable impact, and long‑term system behavior, and requires collaboration with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to evolve prototypes into reliable systems that adapt over time.

What You’ll Bring To The Table

• 7–12 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or applied AI, with demonstrable impact in production environments.
• Strong foundation in statistics, experimental design and model evaluation, with experience translating business questions into testable hypotheses.
• Practical experience with modern AI techniques such as graph‑based models, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, representation learning, or advanced retrieval systems.
• Demonstrated ability to move from exploratory data analysis to scalable AI systems that operate reliably over time.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python and modern ML frameworks) and familiarity with distributed data or ML environments.
• Experience contributing meaningfully within cross‑functional teams, while maintaining ownership of technical components and project outcomes.
• Ability to lead project‑level execution as a senior individual contributor, combining hands‑on development with methodological guidance.
• Curiosity and openness to emerging AI tools and paradigms, with a disciplined approach to validating their real‑world applicability.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

Your contribution matters, and it is recognized through a competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you offer.

• Global opportunities and broad career paths.
• Flexible hybrid work models and schedules.
• Access to hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to Santander Open Academy.
• Competitive salary with performance‑based bonuses.
• Preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
• Health priority through BeHealthy, our global wellness program.
• Childcare support and family programs tailored to every life stage.
• Legal, emotional and administrative advice through Santander Contigo.
• Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers at some facilities, meal allowance, parking, shuttle services from various points in Madrid, plus discounts and exclusive offers for employees.
• And that is just the beginning – we’ll tell you more when you join.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

Santander is proud to be an organization where equal opportunities exist regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

If this sounds like a position you are interested in, apply.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP ON YOUR JOURNEY?

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