Quantitative Modeler & Data Scientist

Columbia Bank; Lake Oswego (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition assistance

Mental health resources

Identity theft protection

Job summary

Columbia Bank is seeking a data scientist/quantitative risk analyst to design, validate, and monitor financial and AI-enabled models across the bank. You will work on default, loss, fraud detection, credit risk, AML, asset liability management, and model monitoring, partnering with stakeholders to ensure regulatory alignment and business value.

Experience in Python, PySpark, SQL, and cloud platforms (Azure/AWS/Databricks/Snowflake) is required, with advanced statistical and econometric methods.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, financial engineering, quantitative finance, or actuarial sciences.
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience required; formal degree preferred for senior roles.
• Experience in banking or financial services as Data Scientist, Statistician, Quantitative Risk Analyst, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and monitor models for risk and AI applications.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure regulatory alignment and business value.
• Prepare reports for senior management and regulators.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Econometrics

Python

PySpark

SQL

Communication skills

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Master's degree in economics/math

PhD preferred

FRM/CFA/CQF desired

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

Azure

AWS

Job description

About the Role

In this role, you will develop, implement, and support statistical, mathematical, economic, financial, and AI/ML-driven models that inform business decisions, strengthen risk management, and support strategic initiatives across the bank. The role provides exposure to a broad range of modeling and analytics applications, including financial planning, fraud detection, customer analytics, credit risk, anti-money laundering, asset liability management, and AI-enabled capabilities in areas such as fraud analytics, customer intelligence, process automation, and model monitoring. You will contribute to model validation, governance, documentation, and performance monitoring for financial, non-financial, and AI/ML-enabled models used across the organization. In partnership with stakeholders across the bank, you will provide guidance on model design, selection, implementation, monitoring, and appropriate use, with a focus on sound methodology, regulatory alignment, business value, and responsible adoption of emerging AI technologies. Design, estimate, implement, test, document, monitor, and maintain statistical, financial, economic, machine learning, and AI-enabled models used for business decision-making, risk management, forecasting, and strategic initiatives. Develop and support models for default, loss severity, fraud detection, customer analytics, financial planning, credit risk, anti-money laundering, asset liability management, model monitoring, and other financial and non-financial applications across the bank. Support responsible adoption of AI/ML capabilities by contributing to governance, documentation, monitoring, control design, and appropriate use standards for emerging analytics technologies. Conduct quantitative analysis, modeling, data mining, and programming using tools such as Databricks, Snowflake, SQL, R, Python, and other approved analytics platforms to generate insights, test hypotheses, and provide actionable recommendations. Partner with business units, technology, risk, compliance, and governance stakeholders to identify business needs, define analytical approaches, and develop modeling solutions aligned with internal standards and applicable regulatory expectations, including SR 26-2. Research and Develop quantitative tools and techniques to measure and analyze model risks and establish conclusions on strengths and limitations of the model. Assess conceptual foundations of a model, model specification, underlying assumptions, limitations, variable selection, underlying data, developmental evidence, documentation. Interview model developers/vendors and model owners to understand the business context for model use and facilitate the adoption of model risk management standards. Keep up-to-date with any banking regulations affecting model risk management practices across the bank. Advocate sound quantitative, model development, model monitoring, and AI governance practices across the bank. Propose and execute model validation tests for new and existing models in the inventory. Assist manager in production of regular and ad-hoc reports on individual and Bank-level model findings for Senior Management and regulators. Coordinate with model validation team on any changes to the Bank’s model inventory or End user Applications.. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training. Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice” May perform other duties as assigned.

About You

Master's Degree Master’s Degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, financial engineering, quantitative finance, or actuarial sciences. Required Ph.D. Doctoral degree or equivalent experience. Preferred. 2-4 years in banking or financial services as a Data Scientist, Statistician, Quantitative Risk Analyst, Model Developer, Model Validator, or similar. Required Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to model risk management (FRB/OCC SR 26-2), Basel II/III capital requirements, and Dodd-Frank Act Stress Testing (DFAST). Advanced understanding of statistical modeling, econometric forecasting, machine learning, data extraction and processing techniques; and demonstrated ability to apply such methods. Experience with analytics software ( Python, PySpark, R, Matlab, Excel VBA, SQL), relational databases and/or cloud computing platforms like Azure, AWS, Databricks, Snowflake. Possess communication skills, both oral and written, with ability to translate complex statistical or economic theories and analysis into practical implications for business teams and Senior Management. Demonstrate strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Ability to proactively learn newly emerging statistical, econometric, and mathematical modeling techniques, and understand the implications of their use in a banking organization. Proven organizational skills are required to perform multiple tasks simultaneously to meet strict deadlines. Critical thinker with business intuition, intellectual curiosity, and ability to execute. Certification as Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) or progress toward the Certification.

Pay Range

The pay range for this role is $100,000.00 - $150,000.00. The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s). 5885 Meadows Road Suite 300 Lake Oswego OR 97035

Benefits

• We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
• We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays.
• Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Commitment to Diversity

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics.

If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail].

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.

Our Culture

Our culture is built on Do RIGHT, which means:

• Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities.
• Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies.
• Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
• Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other.
• Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do.

Company Overview

At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship-based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive.

Why work for Columbia Bank?

A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity. A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact. Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally. Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives. Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.