Data Scientist

Funding Circle UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits

Job summary

Funding Circle is seeking a Data Scientist in London on a hybrid basis to develop, deploy and monitor statistical and machine learning models for our lending products. You will drive value by improving models, exploring data sources, and presenting insights to cross-functional teams.

Join a mission-driven fintech with a collaborative Decision Science team and opportunities to shape borrower products through advanced modeling and AI-driven automation.

Qualifications

• Degree in a quantitative STEM field.
• Proven track record in statistical modeling and ML deployment.
• Strong Python coding and reproducible workflows.
• SQL proficiency with complex queries and data transformations.
• Ability to translate outputs into actionable business insights.

Responsibilities

• Develop statistical and machine learning models for lending products.
• Optimize models and explore new data sources.
• Communicate insights clearly to stakeholders.
• Identify risks and operationalize AI workflows.
• Experiment with model frameworks for optimization.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine Learning

Python

SQL

Cross-functional collab

Problem solving

Data communication

AI prompting

Education

Quantitative STEM degree

Tools

Python

SQL

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

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.

• Degree educated in a quantitative STEM discipline with a demonstrated capability to transition theoretical concepts into functional, real-world solutions
• Proven track record of leveraging rigorous quantitative frameworks, structured problem-solving, and analytical methodologies to solve complex business problems.
• End-to-end hands-on experience in statistical modeling, Machine Learning architecture, and deployment, demonstrated through production-level enterprise experience, high-impact research, or advanced project delivery.
• Strong proficiency in Python for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and modeling, with a focus on writing clean, efficient, and reproducible code.
• Deep operational familiarity with SQL, including writing optimised queries, joining complex multi-table datasets, and transforming raw enterprise data into analysis-ready formats.
• Track record of collaborating with cross-functional partners to translate technical outputs into actionable commercial insights, key metrics, or product improvements.
• Able to take ownership and designing workflows, using AI to automate complex tasks and drive operational efficiency
• Identify high-impact AI use cases and implement advanced prompting techniques to solve multi-layered business challenges

Skills We’d Love To See

• Prior experience working in Credit Risk or Data Science space

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