Data Scientist

Fundingcircle; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Private medical

Dental care

Share schemes

Learning allowance

Cycle-to-work

Season ticket loan

Barista coffee

Job summary

Funding Circle in London is seeking a Data Scientist to join the Decision Science team. You will develop, implement and monitor ML models to support commercial lending and drive measurable value from day one.

Collaborate with data engineers, analysts and business stakeholders, explore new data sources, optimize existing models and communicate insights clearly to drive strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Hands-on exposure to Machine Learning and model building (via professional experience, internships, or extensive academic projects).
• Strong working knowledge of Python and SQL, alongside a keen interest in learning to apply AI techniques to real-world data problems.

Responsibilities

• Model Development: Develop statistical and machine learning models for commercial lending products.
• Optimization: Deliver value through the optimization of current models and drive innovation by constantly seeking alternative data sources.
• Communication: Communicate and present effectively, turning complex analysis into clearly articulated insights.
• Problem Solving: Proactively problem-solve, identifying and mitigating any risks, issues, or control weaknesses in your day-to-day work.
• Experimentation: Actively experiment with various frameworks for model optimization.

Skills

Python

SQL

Machine Learning

Data Visualization

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors/Master's/PhD in STEM

Tools

Pandas

Scikit-learn

Job description

We’re on a mission to back the UK’s small businesses like no one else

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we’re here to help them win. We’ve built a platform that uses clever data to get them the funding they need in minutes, not weeks.

At Funding Circle, we have the restless energy of a fintech start‑up with the stability of a public company. It’s a unique mix that gives Circlers the autonomy to take ownership and the scale to make an impact that truly counts.

We’re a high‑performing team that chooses to lift each other up. We challenge, we champion, and we have each other’s backs - because we know that when we stand together, we move faster and build better.

The impact is real: Last year alone, the businesses on our platform generated £7.2bn for the UK economy Come and join a mission that matters!

[Read our Impact Report] | [See our Trustpilot]

The role

London (Hybrid) | 3 days in the office | Competitive Salary + Benefits

You’ll make a real difference for our customers and your team from day one. We believe the fastest way to grow is by doing, so we give you the ownership to run with things and see real‑time results.

We are looking for a Data Scientist to join us as we continue to evolve and build our next generation of models at Funding Circle. You will play a key role in developing, implementing and monitoring these models and drive significant value for the business.

• Model Development: Develop statistical and machine learning models for commercial lending products.
• Optimization: Deliver value through the optimization of current models and drive innovation by constantly seeking alternative data sources.
• Communication: Communicate and present effectively, turning complex analysis into clearly articulated insights.
• Problem Solving: Proactively problem‑solve, identifying and mitigating any risks, issues, or control weaknesses in your day‑to‑day work.
• Experimentation: Actively experiment with various frameworks for model optimization

What we’re looking for

We value deep expertise, but a growth mindset and good energy are what really make our team click. We’re a group that chooses to lift each other up and think smart every day.

As part of the Decision Science team, you will create cutting edge statistical and machine learning models and collaborate with data engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders. As well as improving on our previous generation models, we are expanding our borrower products so you will have the opportunity to develop completely new models.

• Hands‑on exposure to Machine Learning and model building (via professional experience, internships, or extensive academic projects).
• Strong working knowledge of Python and SQL, alongside a keen interest in learning to apply AI techniques to real‑world data problems.
• A recent graduate with a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in a quantitative field or STEM‑related subject (Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Physics, Engineering, etc.).
• Strong problem‑solving abilities using logical reasoning and analytical methods.
• Passionate about Funding Circle’s values and mission to support businesses.
• Able to take ownership of redesigning departmental workflows, using AI to automate complex tasks and drive operational efficiency
• Competently able to Identify high‑impact AI use cases and implement advanced prompting techniques to solve multi‑layered business challenges

We’re building a place where everyone truly feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

Why join us?

We back you to build an incredible career and by joining us, you'll be part of one of The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2026! As a flexible‑first employer, we use a "best of both" approach. We’ll see you in our London office to collaborate – with barista coffee and subsidised Just Eat lunches on us!

Our Circler Proposition focuses on five areas:

• Flexibility: We provide a benefit allowance you can tailor to your own life and family.
• Health: This includes private medical and dental, health assessments, and access to a digital GP.
• Wealth: We offer life assurance, share schemes, and financial coaching.
• Development: You get a dedicated annual learning allowance to help you level up.
• Lifestyle: We have electric car and cycle‑to‑work schemes, plus season ticket loans.

We also have award-winning parental leave policies. We're here to support you through the big life moments, from fertility treatments to new additions to the family.