Senior AI Scientist Advanced Analytics - CDAIO

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

The SENIOR AI SCIENTIST IN ADVANCED ANALYTICS leads the evolution of traditional data science practices into AI Science, leveraging modern learning systems and agentic architectures to transform how models are designed, evaluated, and operated. The role is designed for a strong individual contributor capable of combining classical analytical rigor with emerging AI methodologies to deliver scalable, production-grade intelligent systems.

The Senior AI Scientist is responsible for framing business challenges such as scientific problems, designing experimental strategies, and deploying advanced modeling approaches that go beyond conventional machine learning pipelines. This includes the application of modern AI techniques such as graph-based learning, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, advanced retrieval methods, and Generative AI, when appropriate to the problem.

Working hands-on within project squads, the Senior AI Scientist contributes directly to data preparation, model design, experimentation, validation, and operationalization. The role combines execution with leadership: guiding project direction, mentoring peers, and ensuring that methodological choices are grounded in evidence and aligned with risk and governance requirements.

The position requires close collaboration with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to ensure that models evolve from prototypes into reliable systems that adapt over time. The emphasis is on scientific rigor, measurable impact, and long-term system behavior, rather than isolated model delivery.

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7–12 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or applied AI, with a demonstrable impact in production environments. (Required).

• Strong foundation in statistics, experimental design, and model evaluation, with experience translating business questions into testable hypotheses. (Required).

• Practical experience with modern AI techniques such as graph-based models, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, representation learning, or advanced retrieval systems. (Required).

• Demonstrated ability to move from exploratory data analysis to scalable AI systems that operate reliably over time. (Required).

• Experience contributing meaningfully within cross-functional teams, while maintaining ownership of technical components and project outcomes. (Required).

• English level fluent or high. (Required).

• Spanish. (Preferred).

• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python and modern ML frameworks) and familiarity with distributed data or ML environments. (Required).

• Ability to lead project-level execution as a senior individual contributor, combining hands-on development with methodological guidance. (Required).

• Curiosity and openness to emerging AI tools and paradigms, with a disciplined approach to validating their real-world applicability. (Required).

Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
 

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