Position Title: Data Scientist

Reports To: Director, Data Science

Department: Individual Data Analytics

Term: Permanent Full Time


Work Arrangements: This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement.


The Opportunity: Equitable is looking to fill the full-time position of a Data Scientist. They will play a pivotal role in the Data Science lifecycle of delivering machine learning (ML) based solutions, models and algorithms to improve business processes, supporting the strategy and goals of Equitable, specifically in the Individual Life business.

The majority of the work will be building ML solutions, management and problem analysis, data exploration and preparation, data collection and integration, and model operationalization. Some time will be spent on ad-hoc analytics and reporting supporting the projects. Supporting activities include project documentation, R&D and data review. The newly hired data scientist will be a key interface between the Data Science team, BI Team and the business units. The data scientist will be partnered up with a Machine Learning Engineer to work on projects. The data scientist will primarily be responsible for delivering a finalized algorithm and will influence data acquisition and model implementation. Candidates need to be self-driven, curious and innovative.

What you will be doing:

• Perform analysis with the business units to support ongoing decision-making and to identify quantifiable project value
• Perform requirement analysis with the business to gain situational context and generate hypotheses
• Own and deliver on projects of moderate scope and handle assigned tasks of more advanced scope
• Deliver and support models throughout the data science lifecycle: build, test, deploy, monitor, and improve
• Communicate results of analytics outcomes with business partners in an effective manner
• Implement measurement and documentation standards against all project work
• Innovate and find creative ways to source/use data to support modeling efforts
• Peer review other team member's work

What you will bring:

• An advanced degree in computer science, data science, data analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative field is required. Alternate experience and education in equivalent areas such as economics, engineering or physics, is acceptable. Experience in more than one area is strongly preferred. Candidates must have a specialization in ML, AI, cognitive science, or data science.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience specifically in statistical analysis, predictive modelling, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence
• Strong understanding of statistics and machine learning theory
• Practical knowledge of Python, version control with Git, ML libraries/frameworks, MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow) and processes (e.g., data/concept drift monitoring)
• Good grasp of model bias mitigation strategies and fairness-aware metrics
• Knowledge of relational database design principles, proficiency in MS SQL, SQLite or similar platforms
• Experience with model deployment through API's (on-prem and cloud)
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (PowerBI, Matplotlib, etc.)

Assets

• Experience migrating to and working in Microsoft Azure or similar cloud platforms
• Experience working in MS Server and Linux environments
• BI development experience
• Insurance and/or Financial Services experience
• Excellent business communication skills with non-data focused business partners

What's in it for you:

• A healthy work-life balance with employee wellness top of mind
• Annual bonus program, annual vacation allowance, and company-paid benefits program
• An additional paid volunteer day each year so you can spend time giving back to the community
• Immediate enrollment in the company's pension program with employer matching
• Employee resource groups that support an inclusive work environment
• Tuition support and specialized program assistance
• An onsite full-service cafeteria with a variety of daily options
• Discounts on company products and services, and access to exclusive employee perks
• Regular EQ Together events focused on company togetherness and collaboration

As part of the recruitment/offer process you will be required to:

• Provide two professional references (minimum one supervisor and above)

This role is open due to an existing vacancy.

To learn more about Equitable, we encourage you to explore our organization.

At Equitable, we are committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities across our organization. Please contact our HR team at careers@equitable.ca if you would like to receive our job postings in an alternative format or require an accommodation with the application process.

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