Research Scientist

The Team: 

Machine Learning is at the heart of Upstart’s business model: our models are the product. Our team includes research scientists, data scientists, and machine learning engineers who build and improve production models and the systems around them across the funnel: underwriting and pricing, fraud detection, performance marketing, loan servicing  and fair lending/explainability. We tackle high‑impact problems, from underwriting and pricing to monitoring and fairness, where creativity, rigor, and strong engineering directly move the business.

The Role: 

As a Research Scientist, you will work on real-world applied machine learning problems. You will contribute to the research, development and deployment of business-critical models across many applications and products. This role covers all subteams at Upstart.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Research and develop new machine learning models to enhance the accuracy of predictions across many applications (marketing, pricing, servicing, monitoring & fairness) and products (personal/auto/HELOC loans)
• Design, prototype, and deploy models to production, ensuring robust and scalable implementations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, product managers, and  to experiment with and optimize models for business outcomes.
• Evaluate the performance of models, interpret their impact on business metrics, and present actionable insights to stakeholders.
• Continuously explore novel algorithms and methodologies to keep Upstart’s ML systems at the cutting edge of technology.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of a high-quality, production-ready codebase.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or quantitative discipline (e.g., Math, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Operations Research).
• 2+ years of experience in Machine Learning or a similar field.
• Proficiency in Python or other programming languages.
• Strong understanding of statistical, probability, and machine learning theory.
• Full-stack expertise in the modeling process from ideation to production, OR deep expertise in either statistical modeling or machine learning.
• Ability to break down complex tasks into smaller steps and make the right tradeoffs to deliver projects on time.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong sense of intellectual curiosity, humility, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Math, Physics, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research).
• Deep expertise in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks.
• Experience leading or mentoring junior members in a technical team.
• Proficiency in building and deploying machine learning pipelines and engineering architecture.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to develop testable hypotheses.
• Proven ability to meet high standards in terms of quality and velocity with minimal direction.
• Ability to use modern agentic tooling (Claude Code, Codex, …) efficiently.

What We’re Looking For:

• Ability to autonomously execute complex tasks, breaking them into smaller milestones to ensure timely delivery.
• Intellectual curiosity, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and strong critical thinking skills.
• Enthusiasm for Upstart’s mission to expand access to credit and a desire to work in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
• Strong sense of teamwork and humility, working collaboratively with colleagues across multiple disciplines.

What You’ll Love:

At Upstart, our benefits are designed to support your health, financial well-being, family, and personal growth. Here’s what you can expect:

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
• Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
• Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
• Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays 
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
• Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
• Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).

Position Location: This role is available in remote locations across the U.S. Team collaboration happens through a mix of remote and in-person sessions, with regular on-site meetings happening 1-2 times per quarter.