Senior Data Scientist - AI Risk Consultant
The Senior Data Scientist - AI Risk Consultant role involves independently validating complex fraud and entity resolution models within financial services, ensuring compliance with model risk management standards and regulatory guidance. The consultant will assess model design, performance, and documentation, perform quantitative analyses using Python, SQL, or R, and communicate validation findings and recommendations to stakeholders. This position requires strong expertise in model validation, risk frameworks, and experience in regulated environments, with onsite work in Phoenix, AZ.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Software Development.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
You will perform independent model validation and AI risk review work focused on fraud detection and entity resolution models used in financial services and regulated environments. You will evaluate model design and implementation end-to-end, challenge assumptions, run quantitative tests, and produce regulator- and audit-ready validation deliverables.
- Perform end-to-end fraud model validation: assess conceptual soundness, feature engineering, data quality, assumptions, model performance, limitations, and monitoring plans.
- Validate entity resolution / entity matching models: review matching/linkage methodologies, identity resolution logic, data inputs, thresholds, precision/recall trade-offs, and overall effectiveness.
- Independently challenge development teams on methodology, testing, and deployment choices; provide clear, defensible findings and remediation recommendations.
- Review source code, documentation, test plans, and implementation controls.
- Perform quantitative analysis and testing using Python, SQL, R, or similar tools (data preparation, backtesting, benchmarking, sensitivity analysis).
- Evaluate model stability, bias, concept drift, benchmarking, and sensitivity where applicable.
- Produce comprehensive validation reports and communicate findings to technical and business stakeholders.
- Apply model risk management frameworks and regulatory guidance such as SR 11-7 / OCC 2011-12 and related standards.
What We’re Looking For (Required)
- Proven hands-on experience performing independent model validation in banking, financial services, fraud/AML, or other highly regulated environments.
- Demonstrated, specific experience validating fraud models.
- Demonstrated experience validating entity resolution / entity matching models.
- Ability to describe prior validation engagements with concrete examples: models validated, validation methodology, tests/challenge techniques, key issues found, remediation recommendations, and lessons learned.
- Strong understanding of model risk concepts: data quality, conceptual soundness, outcomes analysis, benchmarking, sensitivity testing, governance, and monitoring.
- Experience with statistical, ML, or AI models and associated validation techniques.
- Strong Python and SQL skills (R or equivalent tools are a plus) and strong quantitative analysis capabilities.
- Excellent written communication and ability to produce audit- and regulator-ready documentation.
- Must be local to Phoenix, AZ and able to work onsite as required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. No third-party vendors or C2C arrangements.
Preferred / Ideal Background
Candidates often come from Model Risk Management, AI/ML model validation teams, fraud analytics, financial crime risk, quantitative risk, data science, or regulatory examination backgrounds. Experience validating models at large banks, financial institutions, consulting firms, or other regulated enterprises is strongly preferred.
Role Details
- Employment type: Contract (W2), long-term (12+ months), immediate start.
- Location: Onsite in Phoenix, AZ — candidates must be able to work onsite.
- Clearance/authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; employer will not sponsor.
- No third-party vendors / C2C.
Why Work With Careertakes
Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform that connects experienced model validation and AI risk professionals with high-quality, vetted opportunities at Confidential Client. If matched and selected, you’ll work directly for the client on impactful model-risk projects in a regulated environment.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range