Sr Data Scientist

Job Summary

As a Sanctions Data Scientist within PayPal s Sanctions Data Science team, you will play a critical role in strengthening our sanctions screening platform to support scalable, efficient, and globally compliant business operations. This role is ideal for a data-driven strategist passionate about applying advanced analytics to optimize sanctions screening, reduce friction for legitimate customers, and uphold PayPal s global regulatory commitments.

You will lead initiatives that leverage data science, big data technologies, and machine learning to modernize our sanctions detection and compliance systems, enhancing performance, scalability, and the overall customer experience.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced data science models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements.
• Drive best practices in data science.
• Ensure data quality and integrity in all processes.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in data science.

Expected Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Drive data science initiatives that enhance the scalability, efficiency, and precision of PayPal s sanctions screening systems while meeting global regulatory standards.

Design and implement data-driven solutions to improve sanctions screening algorithms, reduce false positives, and optimize risk detection sensitivity.

Partner with FLOD advisory team, product, engineering, and business units to design strategic frameworks for sanctions compliance initiatives.

Interpret new regulatory requirements and collaborate with regional MLROs to finalize business requirements, and translate them into actionable data-driven solutions, then work with engineer team to implement these changes effectively.

Work with sanctions advisory and policy teams to refine PEP and sanctions list definitions, ensuring accurate coverage and risk alignment.

Lead the end-to-end development and implementation of sanctions screening solutions, ensuring scalability and alignment with business and regulatory goals. As a Screening Strategy & Enablement Adjacency Lead within the Sanctions Data Science Team, you will take ownership of designing and driving strategic initiatives focused on improving the efficiency and scalability of PayPal s sanctions screening and compliance systems. This position requires deep expertise in sanctions screening methodologies, advanced analytics, and regulatory compliance, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead transformational projects that reduce false positives, address adjacent compliance risks, and enhance customer experience.

Lead initiatives to improve algorithmic filtering strategies, prioritizing the reduction of false positives while maintaining high levels of sensitivity and accuracy in sanctions screening processes.

Provide business guidance and technical support to junior data scientists on the team.

Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure seamless deployment and real-time implementation in production environments.

Lead projects to modernize sanctions platforms, incorporating big data solutions to improve performance and scalability.

Perform advanced data exploration and analysis to identify inefficiencies in sanctions screening and workflow and recommend actionable improvements.

Analyze large, complex datasets and business requirements to draw meaningful conclusions, make informed recommendations, and present findings to support business decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree with a minimum of six years of experience in sanctions transaction Screening, profile screening, and AML, including at least three years in data analytics or data science.
• Thorough understanding of economic sanctions programs administered by regulators such as OFAC, EU, UN, CSSF, etc., and associated adjacency risk.
• Proficiency in SQL, BigQuery, Python, R, Tableau, and Power BI, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with and advanced understanding of SQL queries, data structure and data profiling
• Working knowledge of Hadoop, Hive, Jupyter Notebooks; data warehouse skills is highly desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively translate data insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop data-driven solutions for complex business challenges, fostering trust and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
• Strong intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, and a passion for solving problems, with comfort navigating ambiguity.
• Advanced research, analytical, and project leadership skills, with a strong business acumen and multitasking ability.
• Capable of managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with independence and initiative.
• Skilled in presenting complex quantitative analyses to business stakeholders in a clear, accessible manner.
• High energy and a results-oriented mindset, with a passion for understanding and serving PayPal s unique community.