Lead Data Scientist

Job Description

We’re seeking a Lead Data Scientist to spearhead the development of our data science team and platform. This role is pivotal in improving our antifraud systems and overall platform performance. You will lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models and data-driven strategies that enhance fraud detection accuracy, minimize false positives, and drive actionable insights across our payment ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership:
• Build and lead a high-performing data science team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Mentor and guide team members on technical and strategic initiatives.
• Model Development:
• Design and implement advanced machine learning models for fraud detection, risk scoring, and acceptance optimization.
• Collaborate with engineering and risk teams to integrate models into production systems.

• Data Strategy:
• Define and execute a scalable data science strategy that aligns with Conekta's business objectives.
• Develop frameworks for data collection, feature engineering, and real-time model deployment.
• Performance Optimization:
• Analyze large-scale payment data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement in payment success rates.
• Develop predictive models to enhance payment authorization rates and reduce transaction declines.
• Fraud Prevention:
• Continuously refine fraud detection models to address emerging threats and new fraud patterns.
• Balance fraud prevention with a seamless customer experience by optimizing false positive rates.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Partner with product, engineering, and business teams to align data science initiatives with company goals.
• Communicate complex findings and insights to non-technical stakeholders effectively

Requirements

• Education:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. PhD is a plus.
• Experience:
• 5+ years in data science or machine learning roles, with a focus on fraud detection, risk management, or payments.
• 2+ years of experience leading data science teams or projects.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in Python, with experience in machine learning libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong SQL skills for querying and analyzing large datasets.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Experience with A/B testing, experimentation platforms, and statistical analysis.
• Experience with platforms for training and implementing models, like SageMaker.
• Domain Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of payment processing systems, fraud detection methodologies, and risk assessment frameworks.
• Knowledge of Latin American payment ecosystems is a significant advantage.
• Soft Skills:
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical insights to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Benefits

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to shape and lead the data science function at one of Latin America’s top fintech companies.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources to innovate at scale.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentorship, training, and career development programs.