What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Data Scientist position at Harnham?
Lead Data Scientist
We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to own complex quantitative and risk modeling projects from problem definition through implementation. This is a highly visible role where your models will directly influence multi-million-dollar business opportunities and be presented to executive stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
- Build, evaluate, and validate quantitative and risk models.
- Work with large financial and credit datasets.
- Develop models using Python, SQL, and gradient boosting techniques.
- Translate model outputs into measurable financial and dollar impact.
- Own projects end-to-end, from defining the problem through implementation.
- Present technical findings and recommendations to senior and executive stakeholders.
- Defend models and methodology during external audits.
- Help identify and quantify significant financial opportunities.
- Provide technical guidance and support to other team members.
What We’re Looking For
- 8 years of data science/modeling experience
- Strong Python and SQL skills.
- Strong data modeling experience.
- Strong mathematical and statistical foundation.
- Experience with gradient boosting models.
- Proven ability to independently lead projects end-to-end.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Comfortable explaining technical work and model results to executives.
- Experience working through external audits and defending models.
- Finance/risk modeling experience within a regulated industry is required.
Required Domain Experience
You should have experience in areas such as:
- Credit risk modeling
- Financial or loss modeling
- Probability of Default (PD) modeling
- Credit scorecards
- Payment behavior modeling
- Credit attribute modeling
- Mortgage, credit card, banking, or credit bureau data
- Risk modeling within a regulated financial institution
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Quantitative Engineering, or another highly quantitative field.
- Master’s degree in Data Science or a related quantitative discipline preferred.
The Ideal Candidate
This role is suited to a senior-level Data Scientist who can operate independently, drive complex projects, and communicate confidently with both technical and executive audiences.
Location: Tempe, AZ preferred; Dallas or Atlanta also considered
Working Model: Hybrid, 4 days per week (Monday–Thursday)
Compensation: $140,000–$150,000 base
Visa: U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder only
Salary : $140,000 - $150,000