Principal Data Scientist

The Opportunity
You will lead the development and deployment of advanced data science and machine learning models that drive investment decisions, risk management, and operational efficiencies. You will work closely with technology and business teams to transform complex data into actionable insights that enhance our competitive edge.

The Principle Data Scientist is a significant contributor to OTPP's AI practices and overall AI capabilities.

Who You'll Work With
The Principal Data Scientist will report to Director, Data Science & Advanced Analytics. You'll join the Data, Analytics & AI team, a multidisciplinary group of data scientists, data analytics specialists, data engineers, and data visualization experts. Collaborating closely in this environment, you'll support the development of Generative AI applications and the delivery & management of Analytical & AI technologies. You'll also work directly with our Middleware & Product engineering team, Product Owners, Enterprise Architects, Software developers, and internal business team clients (Capital Markets, Quants, Private Investment, and more).

What You'll Do

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of AI models and algorithms to support investment decisions, risk management and operation efficiency initiatives.
• Analyze large, complex structured/un-structured datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and potential opportunities.
• Collaborate with various teams to integrate data science solutions into investment workflows and decision-making processes.
• Develop and deploy scalable, production-ready models and ensure their robustness, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Drive innovation by researching and applying the latest advances in AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and statistical modeling relevant to the organization.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior data scientists and ML engineers.
• Communicate complex analytical concepts and results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior management.
• Ensure adherence to data/AI governance, privacy, and ethical standards in all data science initiatives.
• Contribute to the firm's data and AI strategy and help identify new data sources and technologies to enhance AI capabilities.
• Independent analysis approach based on business context.

What You'll Need

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Financial Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in data science, quantitative research, or machine learning.
• Passionate about leveraging data science in investment and asset management
• Deep expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, time series analysis, and predictive analytics.
• Experience with Gen-AI/Agentic AI application development
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, SQL, and experience with Cloud computing
• Experience with current MLOps practices and implementation
• Experience with investments, risk management frameworks, and investment processes is an asset.
• Proficient SQL skill in mining complex and multi-sourced data environment
• Ability to quickly learn/adopt to new technology and approaches
• Ability to independently research on potential solutions from both industry and academic resources
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on complex projects.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Foundational Knowledge in NLP: understanding of basic NLP concepts such as tokenization, large language model architectures, LLM fine-tuning.
• Statistical and Machine Learning Knowledge: familiarity with foundations of machine learning, e.g. elementary statistics and probability, linear algebra, regression and classification tasks, supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks and deep learning, model architectures and training.
• Experimental Design and Evaluation: knowledge of designing experiments, including splitting data into training and testing sets, cross-validation, and evaluating model performance using metrics like precision, recall, etc.
• Familiarity with Time Series Analysis: understanding of time series data, especially in the context of financial data, and the ability to integrate NLP outputs with time series models
• Strong knowledge of new AI technologies and industry trends (commercial software and open-sourced solutions).
• Experience in industry or an academic setting of:
• Experience with application development using Generative AI principles (e.g., prompt engineering), RAG, finetuning, Agentic AI etc …
• Hands-on experience with AIOps, from AI application development to deployment to governance.
• Strong background in data warehousing, ETL, and data modeling
• Proficiency in SQL or similar query languages for data exploration and troubleshooting
• Expertise in public cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Hands-on experience with cloud computing architectures
• Hands-on experience with version control (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience working in Agile environments.

What We're Offering

• Pay-for-performance environment that offers competitive salary and incentive
• Numerous opportunities for professional growth and development
• Comprehensive employer paid benefits coverage
• Retirement income through a defined benefit pension plan
• The opportunity to invest back into the fund through our Deferred Incentive Program
• A flexible/hybrid work environment combining in office collaboration and remote working
• Competitive time off
• Our Flexible Travel Program gives you the option to work abroad in another region/country for up to a month each year
• Employee discount programs including Edvantage and Perkopolis

At Ontario Teachers', diversity is one of our core strengths. We take pride in ensuring that the people we hire and the culture we create, reflect and embrace diversity of thought, background and experience. Through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion through events for colleagues to connect for professional development, networking & mentoring. We are building an inclusive and equitable workplace where our talent is respected, accepted and empowered to be themselves. To learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, check out Life at Teachers'.

How To Apply
Are you ready to pursue new challenges and take your career to the next level? Apply today You may be invited to complete a pre-recorded digital interview as part of your application.

Accommodations are available upon request ) for candidates with a disability taking part in the recruitment process and once hired.

Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the country where this role is located.

Ontario Teachers' may use AI-based tools to assist in screening and assessing applicants for this position. These tools may help us identify candidates whose skills and experience align with Ontario Teachers' objectives by analyzing information provided in resumes and applications. Our use of AI does not replace human decision-making.

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Functional Areas
Information Technology

Vacancy
Current

Requisition ID
6733