Lead Data Scientist-Machine Learning

Huntington National Bank; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntington National Bank's AI Center of Excellence seeks a Lead Data Scientist to design, develop, and deploy models using ML, NLP, and AI to accelerate innovation and strategic decision‑making within the Enterprise Data and Analytics organization.

You will lead end-to-end AI projects across on-premises and AWS, collaborate with product owners, and stay current with emerging AI technologies, tools, and best practices to deliver measurable business impact.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science, statistics, economics or related field.
• 5+ years of experience using statistics and machine learning to solve complex business problems.
• PhD in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, or related field (preferred).
• Proficiency in Python (preferred) or R, Spark, and other modern data science tools.
• Working knowledge of Large Language Models (Llama, Claude, Titan), including LangChain, embeddings, and prompt engineering.
• Hands-on experience with LLM fine-tuning.
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) methods.
• Knowledge of Agentic AI and agentic workflows, including task orchestration and multi-agent collaboration.
• Hands-on experience with AWS AI/ML services such as Bedrock, JumpStart, Textract.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Product Owner to manage end-to-end AI development lifecycle across on-premises and AWS environments.
• Demonstrate self-discipline and ownership, maintain transparent communication with leadership, surface risks and blockers.
• Apply automation to streamline manual processes and develop scalable self-service tools.
• Stay current with emerging machine learning and AI technologies and integrate new capabilities into workflows and products.

Skills

Machine learning

Statistical analysis

Python

Spark

LangChain

LLMs

Prompt engineering

Retrieval-Augmented Generation

Vector databases

Education

Master’s degree in CS/Statistics/Economics

PhD in Statistics/Economics/Data Science (preferred)

Tools

AWS Bedrock

JumpStart

Textract

ML frameworks

Job description

Description

The AI Center of Excellence (CoE) is seeking a highly skilled Lead Data Scientist with deep expertise in modern AI technologies. The ideal candidate will apply advanced knowledge in machine learning, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence to design, develop, and deploy models that accelerate innovation and support strategic decision‑making. As part of the Enterprise Data and Analytics organization, the AI CoE drives measurable impact across the business through outcome‑focused project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Product Owner to manage the end‑to‑end AI development lifecycle—requirements gathering, data sourcing, model development, proof‑of‑concept demonstrations, risk governance reviews, and production deployment across both on‑premises and AWS environments.

• Demonstrate strong self ‑ discipline and professional ownership in managing project activities, maintaining transparent communication with leadership, seeking managerial guidance when appropriate, and proactively surfacing risks, blockers, or resource needs to ensure timely delivery.

• Apply automation techniques to streamline manual processes, enhance productivity and accuracy, and develop reusable, scalable self‑service tools and assets.

• Stay current with emerging machine learning, cloud, and AI technologies , driving innovation by evaluating and integrating new capabilities into existing workflows and products.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s degree in computer science, statistics, economics or related field

• 5+ years of experience related work experience using statistics and machine learning to solve complex business problems, experience conducting statistical analysis with advanced statistical software, scripting languages, and packages, including experience with big data analysis tools and techniques, and building and deploying predictive models, web scraping, and scalable data pipelines.

  Preferred Skills:

• PhD in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, or related field.

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages, including Python (preferred) or R, Spark, and other modern data science tools.

• Working knowledge of Large Language Models (Llama, Claude, Titan), including experience with frameworks such as LangChain, vector databases, embeddings, and prompt engineering.

• Willingness to step outside traditional modeling tasks to solve broader technical or business challenges in support of team and organizational goals.

• Hands‑on experience with LLM fine‑tuning

• Practical understanding of advanced Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) methods such as MMR, multi‑vector retrieval, RAG‑fusion, HYDE, self‑RAG, and retrieval evaluation frameworks.

• Knowledge and practical experience with Agentic AI and agentic workflows, including task orchestration, multi‑agent collaboration, tool‑use agents, and workflow automation patterns.

• Hands‑on experience with advanced AWS AI/ML services such as Bedrock, JumpStart, Textract, and related ML orchestration capabilities.

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Exempt Status:

Yes

Workplace Type:

Office

Our Approach to Office Workplace Type

Certain positions outside our branch network may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement. We’re combining the best of both worlds: in‑office and work from home. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. Remote roles will also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for moments that matter. Specific work arrangements will be provided by the hiring team.

Compensation Range:

The compensation range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and education. Colleagues in this position are also eligible to participate in an applicable incentive compensation plan. In addition, Huntington provides a variety of benefits to colleagues, including health insurance coverage, wellness program, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid leave programs, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Huntington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tobacco-Free Hiring Practice: Visit Huntington's Career Web Site for more details.