Remote Lead Data Scientist - AI in Finance

Placements24; Willows (CA); Remote; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Home office budget

Health insurance

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist for a fully remote fintech role. You will design, lead, and deploy advanced AI/ML models for fraud detection, trading analytics, and risk management, while guiding a team of data scientists.

This leadership position requires strategic thinking, mentorship, and clear communication with product and engineering stakeholders to translate complex insights into measurable business value in a globally distributed remote setup.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of data science experience with strong ML/AI focus, preferably in finance.
• Proven leadership of data science teams and complex projects.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, NLP, and deep learning.
• Experience with big data (Spark/Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business value and deliver end-to-end deployments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of ML/AI models for financial applications.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists with code reviews and project oversight.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and stakeholders to define project requirements.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to uncover insights and opportunities for AI improvements.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and MLOps for model deployment and monitoring.
• Stay current with AI/ML research and apply innovations to business problems.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure ethical and responsible AI development and deployment.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Python

R

Problem solving

Education

PhD in quantitative field

Master's degree

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge financial technology firm, is seeking an exceptional Lead Data Scientist to join their fully remote team, focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning within the finance sector. This is a leadership position requiring a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide a team of talented data scientists. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated AI models that drive innovation in areas such as fraud detection, algorithmic trading, risk management, and customer analytics. This role is entirely remote, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere. We are building a world-class team of remote professionals dedicated to revolutionizing finance through data.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning and AI models for financial applications.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, providing technical guidance, code reviews, and project oversight.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to define project requirements and translate business needs into data science solutions.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover insights and identify opportunities for AI-driven improvements.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and MLOps infrastructure to ensure efficient model deployment and monitoring.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in AI, ML, and data science, and apply them to practical business problems.
• Communicate complex technical findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI models.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property through research and innovation.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on machine learning and AI, preferably within the financial services industry.
• Proven experience leading data science teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, predictive analytics, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.
• Track record of successful end-to-end model development and deployment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, generous stock options, and a flexible work environment. We provide a dedicated budget for home office setup and professional development, encouraging continuous learning and growth. This role offers the unique advantage of working from anywhere while contributing to a leading fintech company.