Associate Data Scientist

Join our Group Functions Data Analytics Team!

Contribute to the development of innovative data science solutions that drive business growth and innovation.

We are seeking a motivated Associate Data Scientist to join our team!

How will you contribute:

The Associate Data Scientist role will help the Model Risk Management team in validating AI and Machine Learning models, ensuring they meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. This role is part of the Advanced Analytics Model Validation and Governance (AAMVG) team, which is responsible for ensuring the soundness of proposed AI/ML solutions through independent testing and validation. The candidate will also be responsible for updating, maintaining and upgrading the Advanced Analytics Model Inventory.

Responsibilities:

• Critically challenge the existing AI/ML solutions to identify areas of improvement.
• Develop model validation strategies for a wide range of AI and Machine Learning models.
• Perform replication tests and develop benchmark models against existing AI/ML solutions.
• Design and implement experiments to validate and optimize machine learning models, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in data science (including GenAI research), and the latest regulatory developments concerning model risk (e.g. E-23).
• Provide model governance suggestions on standard methodologies throughout the model lifecycle.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and findings to both technical and non-technical partners, ensuring clear understanding and consensus.
• Document model limitations and recommend changes for future model enhancements.
• Update, maintain and upgrade the Advanced Analytics Model Inventory.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Graduate degree (Master's/Phd) in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and experience with machine learning libraries/frameworks, e.g., PyTorch, scikit-learn, Hugging Face, SQL, graph databases (Neo4j/Cypher, Cosmos DB/Gremlin).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively to develop innovative solutions.
• Great verbal and written communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multi-functional teams.
• Excellent organization skills, strong attention to detail and a drive to challenge the status quo through model validation effort are highly valued.

What can we offer you?

• A competitive salary and benefits packages.
• A growth trajectory that extends upward and outward, encouraging you to follow your passions and learn new skills.
• A focus on growing your career path with us.
• Flexible work policies and strong work-life balance.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.

Our commitment:

Values-first culture

We lead with our Values every day and bring them to life together.

Boundless opportunity

We create opportunities to learn and grow at every stage of your career.

Continuous innovation

We invite you to help redefine the future of financial services.

Delivering the promise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We foster an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.

Championing Corporate Citizenship

We build a business that benefits all partners and has a positive social and environmental impact.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.