Staff Data Scientist - Loss Forecasting & Portfolio Analytics

The role

We are looking for a Credit Risk Manager/Staff Data Scientist to join our Loss Forecasting and Risk Analytics Team within Sofi’s Credit team. This team member will work in the team that is responsible for forecasting losses across various SoFi lending products, including Personal Loans, Student Loan Refinances and Private Student Loans. The Staff Data Scientist will contribute to the performance analysis of SoFi lending products using empirical measurements, develop quantitative and machine learning models to forecast losses and provide insights into the drivers for losses. She/He will also collaborate with the Business Unit, Finance, Accounting, Credit, and Independent Risk Management groups. This position requires knowledge of data analytics and modeling using Python and machine learning/analytical packages, as well as strong problem-solving and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have expertise in analyzing large datasets and developing models using Python, SQL, and other statistical analysis packages to get to the truth behind the data.

By joining SoFi, you'll become part of a forward-thinking company that is transforming financial services for the better. We offer the excitement of a rapidly growing startup with the stability of an industry-leading leadership team.

What you’ll do:

• Develop loss projections for SoFi’s lending products, including Personal Loans, Student Loan Refinances, and Private Student Loans.

• Draw strategic insights from data using statistical analysis tools to inform decisions and support SoFi’s overarching strategic goals relative to loss prevention and profit optimization. Bring new ways of thinking, data sources, technologies, and capabilities to SoFi.

• Develop stress testing framework using macroeconomic data to provide insights into the business and enable the company to plan proactively for economic downturns.

• Improve forecasting accuracy and productivity. Ensure good documentation and control of forecasting methodologies and procedures.

• Explore external credit data to identify trends in the market and industry.

• Work with Business Units, Operations, Product, Capital Markets, Finance, Accounting, and Risk partners to ensure correct loss expectations and trends of losses are communicated effectively and executed appropriately.

• Be inspired by dynamic leaders and our rapidly growing business. We are recruiting the best, brightest, and most passionately quantitative team members.

What you’ll need:

• 7+ years of related experience with a Master’s or PhD degree

• Proven advanced analytical and technical skills in conducting sophisticated data analysis and building loss forecasting models and projections

• Business acumen and work experience in the consumer lending business (loans or credit cards)

• Proficient in Python, SQL & Tableau 

• Strong communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to synthesize and communicate analysis to business partners and senior management

• High motivation to drive results, eager to learn, and able to work collaboratively in a fluid environment

• Prior experience in credit loss forecasting is a must

Nice to have:

• Experience using credit bureau sandbox data

• Experience in developing credit risk strategies