About Upstart

Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than two-thirds of Upstart loans are approved instantly and are fully automated.

Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you!

The Team:

Upstart aims to expand access to credit based on true risk. As part of this mission, Upstart actively engages in marketing and borrower acquisition efforts to attract new customers. One key strategy involves direct mail (DM), an outbound marketing channel aimed at educating consumers about Upstart via physical mail and encouraging them to take out a loan.

Upstart’s Machine Learning, Growth Direct Mail team develops advanced DM models that predict conversion probabilities and effectively prioritize prospects. This team significantly contributes to Upstart's revenue and is integral to its overall success.

As a Staff Research Scientist on this team, you will play a crucial role in advancing direct mail campaign effectiveness through cutting-edge machine learning techniques. Your responsibilities will include participating in research and development initiatives to innovate and fine-tune predictive models that accurately forecast conversion probabilities and prioritize prospects. Coordinate and run prospects selection for direct mail campaigns. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will design and implement experiments to optimize campaign outcomes and enhance ROI. Your role will encompass exploring novel algorithms and methodologies, assessing their impact on revenue metrics, and propose innovative strategies for leveraging machine learning to enhance Upstart’s marketing strategies.

How you’ll make an impact:

Participate in research and development efforts to innovate and refine predictive models for direct mail campaigns, implementing state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to enhance conversion probability accuracy.
Coordinate and run prospects selection as part of direct mail campaigns.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineers and marketing specialists to design and execute experiments aimed at optimizing campaign outcomes.
Evaluate the impact of model enhancements on revenue metrics and provide actionable insights to stakeholders.
Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders and contribute to strategic discussions on enhancing campaign effectiveness and ROI.
Continuously propose and explore creative ways to leverage machine learning to improve marketing strategies and drive business growth.

Minimum Qualifications

Advanced degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
Proficiency in Python and in machine learning frameworks (e.g., XGBoost, PyTorch, sk-learn).
Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design and model development principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

4+ years of hands-on experience in applying machine learning techniques to real-world problems, preferably in marketing analytics or related fields.
Proven track record of developing and deploying predictive models using machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn).
Proficiency in Scala and Spark.
Strong critical thinking skills and a structured approach to problem-solving.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

What we’re looking for:

Strong academic credentials with a master's degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, computer science, or other quantitative areas of study; Ph.D. preferred
Programming skills in Python
Full-stack expertise with all steps of the modeling process from ideation to productionalizing code; OR deep expertise in either statistical modeling or machine learning
Proficiency in a broad array of mathematical, statistical learning and machine learning concepts and applications
Knowledge of machine learning, pipelines and engineering architecture
Detailed understanding of building good technical solutions; ability to convert ideas into testable hypotheses and/or next steps
Ability to meet team standards with respect to quality and velocity with minimal help or direction from peers
For more complex tasks, ability to break down problems into smaller tasks, and use them to estimate the timeline of executing a larger initiative. Willingness to make the right tradeoffs when needed to deliver projects on time.
Proactively communicate to stakeholders and teammates with ability to contextualize technical results
Ability to mentor junior teammates with interest in technical and/or people leadership is a plus
Strong sense of intellectual curiosity balanced with humility, drive and teamwork
Numerically-savvy and smart with ability to operate at a speedy pace
Enthusiasm for and alignment with Upstart’s mission and values

Position location: This role is available in the following locations: Remote

Time zone requirements: The team operates on the East/West coast time zones.

Travel requirements: As a digital first company, the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time.

What you’ll love:

Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Personal Development and Technology & Ergonomic Budgets
Life insurance and disability benefits
Clubs and Activities (Game Nights, Fitstarters, Superwomen, Book Club, Investing Club, Money Discussions, Photography Club and Basketball teams)
Generous vacation policy
401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Catered lunches + snacks & drinks

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-MidSenior

At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).

United States | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range

$174,900—$242,000 USD

Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email candidate_accommodations@upstart.com

https://www.upstart.com/candidate_privacy_policy

Apply for this Job

* Required

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Location (City) *

Resume/CV *

Dropbox

(File types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)

Cover Letter

Dropbox

(File types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)

When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review

+ Add another education

LinkedIn Profile

Website

Location Preference *

As a digital-first company, we are providing our employees with the opportunity to work remotely across the US and/or from one of our physical office locations.

Please select from the list below your primary work location preference(s). Primary work location is defined as where you will spend more than 50% of your time working. Before making your selection(s), please check to make sure that the location is listed as an option in the job’s description above. Multiple selections can be made if multiple locations are available. Remote is considered a location.

  San Mateo, CA
  Columbus, OH
  Austin, TX
  Remote

Have you been employed by Upstart before? *

Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States for Upstart? *

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Upstart’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Gender *

Are you Hispanic/Latino? *

Please identify your race *

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status *

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Disability Status *

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Enter the verification code sent to to confirm you are not a robot, then submit your application.

Security Code *

This application was flagged as potential bot traffic. To resubmit your application, turn off any VPNs, clear the browser's cache and cookies, or try another browser. If you still can't submit it, contact our support team through the help center.

Staff Research Scientist, Growth

Apply for this Job

Voluntary Self-Identification

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability