Data Scientist

About The Company

Scotiabank is a premier financial institution operating across the Americas, dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities achieve their financial goals. With a comprehensive suite of services including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets, Scotiabank is committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences. The bank values diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, fostering a work environment where every employee's unique skills and perspectives are appreciated. As a forward-thinking organization, Scotiabank continuously invests in technology and talent to remain at the forefront of the financial industry, making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join our team in Toronto, Ontario. This role involves developing and refining machine learning models, particularly in the areas of anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance. The successful candidate will work closely with data scientists, stakeholders, and technical teams to analyze large datasets, run ad-hoc queries, and provide actionable insights. Your expertise in programming languages such as Scala, Python, SQL, and Bash will be essential in writing and optimizing code to support model development and operational processes.

You will be responsible for ensuring that processes run smoothly, identifying opportunities for process improvements, and supporting investigations related to AML and compliance issues. The role also emphasizes analyzing model outputs critically to ensure alignment with business objectives and stakeholder feedback, leveraging your technical expertise to resolve complex issues effectively.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) with experience in modeling projects and code development
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with relevant modeling and coding experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in data science or related fields, preferably within financial services
• Proficiency in Spark and Scala is essential
• Strong Python skills, including familiarity with core data science libraries such as Pandas and Numpy
• Experience with version control systems
• Linux and HDFS experience
• Experience with sklearn, PyTorch, or spark-ml is a strong asset
• Knowledge of Money Laundering, Trading, and Crime is a strong asset
• Understanding of advanced modeling techniques and mathematical fundamentals is advantageous
• Spanish language skills are a plus
  
  

Responsibilities

• Ensure that processes related to data analysis and model deployment run efficiently and effectively
• Improve existing processes through automation and optimization
• Write and maintain code in Scala, SQL, Python, and Bash to support data science initiatives
• Run ad-hoc queries on large-scale datasets to extract insights and support decision-making
• Analyze model outputs critically, considering model purpose and stakeholder feedback
• Provide technical expertise and support in investigating and resolving AML and compliance-related issues, especially concerning AI model outputs
• Collaborate with data scientists and cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions
• Communicate complex ideas and insights clearly to peers, managers, and stakeholders
• Work closely with stakeholders to understand their objectives and identify opportunities for process enhancements
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in data science and financial crime prevention
  
  

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a high-performance and inclusive environment
• Collaborative team of innovative professionals
• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits plan including health, dental, and retirement options
• Support for professional development and career growth through internal training and development programs
• Meaningful contribution to community initiatives and social responsibility programs
  
  

Equal Opportunity

Scotiabank is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background. We are dedicated to providing accommodations during the recruitment process to ensure equal access for all candidates.