Staff Data Scientist — Fraud & Risk Leader

Socure; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 191,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Socure is building the identity trust infrastructure for the digital economy — verifying 100% of good identities in real time and stopping fraud before it starts. We hire people who want responsibility, move fast, think critically, act like owners, and care deeply about solving customer problems with precision.

If you want predictability or narrow scope, this won’t be your place. If you want to help build the future of identity with a team that holds a high bar for itself — keep reading.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or related fields, ideally in a high-growth tech or fintech environment.
• Experience in fraud prevention, risk modeling, or identity verification.
• Hands-on experience developing and deploying deep learning models (such as transformers, CNNs/RNNs, and graph learning).
• Experience with diverse data modalities, such as tabular data, text/language, point clouds, and images.
• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and major ML libraries/frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms, model evaluation techniques, and data pipeline development.
• Experience with model deployment and monitoring in production environments (real-time model inferencing is a plus)
• Experience with LLMs and Agentic AI framework/infrastructure (e.g., LangChain/LangGraph/Ray) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively deliver complex outcomes, mentor others, and influence cross-functional decisions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex data problems into actionable business insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional integrity, and high standards of business ethics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced deep learning models, including transformers, CNNs/RNNs, and graph learning algorithms, to address complex fraud and risk challenges.
• Build and optimize models using a variety of input data types, including tabular data, natural language, point clouds, and images.
• Lead the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle: data exploration, feature engineering, model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring in production environments.
• Take ownership of project outcomes, data quality, and delivery timelines; proactively escalate issues and work collaboratively to resolve challenges.
• Mentor and share knowledge with peers and junior data scientists, fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid iteration, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Risk teams to define data requirements and drive insights that guide strategic decisions.
• Conduct in-depth research to explore new data sources and develop novel algorithms that advance the state of the art in fraud detection.
• Present findings and recommendations to technical and executive stakeholders with clarity and influence.
• Stay current with advancements in AI and machine learning, applying innovative approaches to real-world problems.
• Model Socure’s embedded leadership competencies: continuous learning, effective communication, accountability, team development, decision making, and managing change.

Skills

Deep learning

Python

SQL

PyTorch

Model deployment

Communication

Mentoring

Data pipelines

Education

Master's/PhD in CS/Stats

Related field/experience

Tools

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

LangChain

BigQuery

Job description

Socure is building the identity trust infrastructure for the digital economy — verifying 100% of good identities in real time and stopping fraud before it starts. We hire people who want responsibility, move fast, think critically, act like owners, and care deeply about solving customer problems with precision.

If you want predictability or narrow scope, this won’t be your place. If you want to help build the future of identity with a team that holds a high bar for itself — keep reading.