Data Scientist

About The Company

The National Bank of Canada is a prominent financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions and exceptional customer service. With a rich history and a strong presence across Canada, the bank prides itself on fostering a culture of integrity, diversity, and inclusion. As a forward-thinking organization, it continually invests in technology, talent, and community initiatives to create sustainable growth and positive social impact. The bank values its employees as its most vital asset and strives to provide a supportive environment that encourages professional development, collaboration, and innovation.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Data Scientist to join our Credit Risk Models team in Montreal. In this strategic role, you will act as a modeling expert responsible for developing, validating, and deploying credit risk models that assess the probability of default, loss given default, and exposure at default for the bank’s personal and commercial banking clients. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the bank’s risk management strategies and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. As a team leader, you will mentor colleagues, share best practices, and contribute to the continuous evolution of modeling techniques aligned with industry advances and regulatory requirements. This position offers a hybrid work environment, providing flexibility to balance collaboration and autonomy, and is ideal for professionals passionate about leveraging data science to drive impactful decisions in the banking sector.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a diploma in mathematics, statistics, financial engineering, econometrics, or a related field, with five to seven years of relevant experience in credit risk modeling or statistical validation. You should have a deep understanding of credit risk management principles, including familiarity with the Basel Accords and OSFI CAR and E-23 guidelines. Proficiency in programming languages such as SAS or SQL is essential, along with knowledge of IFRS9 and its application, which is considered an asset. A strong interest in Artificial Intelligence and its integration into risk modeling is highly desirable. Candidates must be fluent in both English and French to facilitate effective communication with internal teams and external partners. Additionally, excellent analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive mindset are required to succeed in this role.

Responsibilities

• Define the approach, direct, and develop regulatory models for probability of default, loss given default, and exposure at default.
• Explain and defend developed models with internal stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and external partners.
• Collaborate actively with IT teams and business lines to ensure models are well-understood, properly implemented, and effectively utilized.
• Serve as a team lead and subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to colleagues and participating in various committees.
• Identify potential issues or anomalies related to models, develop innovative solutions, and secure stakeholder buy-in for implementation.
• Contribute to advancing modeling practices by staying abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological innovations, especially in AI and machine learning techniques.

Benefits

Joining our team offers a competitive compensation package complemented by a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your well-being and that of your family. These include a health and wellness program with various options, flexible group insurance plans, a generous pension plan, and an Employee Share Ownership Plan. Additionally, employees have access to an employee and family assistance program, preferential banking services, and involvement in community initiatives. We also provide innovative health services such as telemedicine and a virtual sleep clinic to promote holistic health. Our flexible work environment, coupled with modern collaboration tools, fosters a positive employee experience. We actively promote continuous learning through on-the-job training, internal programs like the Data Academy, language courses, and coaching and mentoring support, empowering you to grow professionally and personally.

Equal Opportunity

The National Bank of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants. Our core values of partnership, agility, and empowerment guide our efforts to create a diverse environment where everyone can thrive. We believe that inclusion enhances innovation and drives our success, and we are proud to support a culture that respects and values individual differences.