The role

Nebius is looking for a Senior Data Scientist to build and deploy time series forecasting and classical machine learning models that support core business planning and operational decisions. You will own problems end-to-end, from data exploration and feature engineering to model deployment and monitoring, working with large-scale, real-world datasets.

The role emphasizes strong statistical thinking, robust modeling, and production reliability over experimentation with trendy frameworks. Your work will directly impact forecasting accuracy, resource planning, and key business metrics.

You’re welcome to work in our offices in Tel Aviv.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Time series forecasting. Design, build, and maintain forecasting models (e.g., demand, usage, capacity). Evaluate performance using appropriate metrics and improve accuracy over time.
• Classical ML modeling. Develop and deploy models using regression,Binary classifcatiom ,  tree-based methods, and other well-established approaches where they provide the best trade-off between performance, interpretability, and maintainability.
• Feature engineering & data preparation. Build robust pipelines for data cleaning, transformation, and feature generation (including time-based features, seasonality, and external signals).
• Model evaluation & monitoring.Define evaluation frameworks, backtesting strategies, and monitoring to ensure models remain stable and reliable in production.
• Production & MLOps. Deploy models into production environments, collaborate on pipeline orchestration, and ensure reproducibility and version control.
• Exploratory analysis. Analyze large datasets to identify patterns, anomalies, and drivers of change in time-dependent behavior.
• Stakeholder collaboration. Work closely with business and product teams to define forecasting needs, align on success metrics, and translate model outputs into actionable insights.
• Cross-domain contribution. Contribute to adjacent data science areas (e.g., LLM-based systems) as needed, ensuring shared ownership and continuity across team responsibilities.

We expect you to have: 

• Experience as a data scientist working in production environments (5+ years).
• Experience with time series modeling and forecasting techniques.
• Experience building reliable data pipelines and working with large datasets.
• Experience with modern data science tools and ecosystems using Python (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, deep learning frameworks).
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with large datasets.
• Strong foundation in statistics and machine learning fundamentals.
• Background in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, Economics, or a related field (Master’s degree or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to take models from idea to production and ensure ongoing value.
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured thinking and robust evaluation in forecasting problems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain model outputs, uncertainty, and limitations.
• Working knowledge of spoken and written English.

It will be an added bonus if you have: 

• Experience working in cloud environments (preferably Azure).
• Experience with MLOps tools and production model lifecycle management.
• Experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow.
• Familiarity with LLM-based systems (e.g., evaluation, RAG pipelines) in applied settings.

About Pagaya

Pagaya is a global technology company making life-changing financial products and services available to more people nationwide, as it reshapes the financial services ecosystem. By using machine learning, a vast data network and a sophisticated AI-driven approach, Pagaya provides comprehensive consumer credit and residential real estate solutions for its partners, their customers, and investors. Its proprietary API and capital solutions integrate into its network of partners to deliver seamless user experiences and greater access to the mainstream economy. Pagaya has offices in New York and Tel Aviv. For more information, visit pagaya.com.

About the Role

Pagaya is seeking an experienced data scientist to join our Model Validation team. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of data science knowledge and analytical skills, understanding in Finance and an understanding of the regulatory landscape of credit lending. As a core team member, you will work closely with model developers to assess model performance, data quality, conceptual soundness, and produce thorough, compliant documentation for regulatory review, ensuring our models meet the highest standards. You will be required to challenge the models, helping Pagaya deliver high-quality validated models for loan pricing and underwriting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough validation of ML models to assess performance, data quality, robustness, conceptual soundness, regulatory requirements and more
• Conduct independent tests to assess performance and limitations, and establish model assumptions
• Suggest and develop alternative models to challenge and improve existing models
• Provide insights into the' strengths and weaknesses of models in terms of Data Science methodology and Finance as well as recommend practical solutions.
• Prepare comprehensive validation documentation
• Support the ongoing monitoring and improvement of existing predictive models
• Stay updated on the latest research in ML credit risk modeling and financial news, ensuring that our practices align with industry standards

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in Data Science roles with experience with ML models- Must
• Work experience in a financial company
• Python - experience with data science packages (pandas, numpy,  sklearn, seaborn)
• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and creatively
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree
• Experience in Finance, specifically with financial data or models - advantage
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) and distributed computing
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements for financial models (e.g., SR 11-7)

Our Team

Pagaya was founded in 2016 by seasoned research, finance, and technology entrepreneurs, and we are now 500+ strong in New York, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv.

We move fast and smart, identifying new opportunities and building end-to-end solutions from AI models and unique data sources. Every Pagaya team member is solving new and exciting challenges every day in a culture based on partnership, collaboration, and community.

Join a team of builders who are working every day to enable better outcomes for our partners and their customers.

Our Values

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe great solutions are built through a great community.

• Advance Inclusion- We create a world where everyone can win, designing systems that better represent people and generate sustainable value for our employees, partners and investors.
• Be Accountable Together- We proudly own our actions and our results, taking initiative to ensure our work gets over the finish line as a team.
• Continuously Learn- We challenge ourselves for the sake of getting better as individuals, as teams, and as an organization to deliver for our partners.
• Debate and Commit- We respectfully and openly debate to strengthen our ideas and build shared conviction - once we decide, we go all in, together.
• Dream Big and Act- We boldly tackle complex problems, pressure-test solutions in real-time, and adapt with speed and energy.

More than just a job

We believe health, happiness, and productivity go hand-in-hand. That's why we're continually looking to enhance the ways we support you with benefits programs and perks that allow every Pagayan to do the best work of their life. 

Pagaya is an equal opportunity employer. Pagaya is encouraging diversity and actively seeking applicants from all backgrounds, as are committed to creating a diverse workforce together with an inclusive environment for all. Employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, skills, and business needs.

Pagaya is an equal opportunity employer. Pagaya is encouraging diversity and actively seeking applicants from all backgrounds, as are committed to creating a diverse workforce together with an inclusive environment for all. Employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, skills, and business needs.