Desjardins Group

Data Scientist, Validation of Financial and AI Models

Desjardins Group$95K — $115K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field
  • Minimum of six years of relevant experience
  • Advanced knowledge of credit and liquidity modeling methodologies
  • Expertise in AI and machine learning models
  • Familiar with generative AI and natural language processing
  • Proficient in programming languages such as Python, SQL, SAS, R, C++
  • Understanding of Basel regulations and AI governance frameworks

Responsibilities

  • Lead the modeling process, ensuring effective data use in strategic initiatives
  • Validate predictive models according to quality standards
  • Analyze business needs and validate the applicability of models
  • Program data preparation and manage complex model development
  • Apply advanced statistical and AI methods for testing methodologies
  • Validate various model types, assessing risks including algorithmic bias
  • Draft governance documents and train teams on model validation methods
  • Monitor industry trends to stay ahead of emerging developments

Benefits

  • 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
  • Defined benefit pension plan for stable retirement income
  • Comprehensive group insurance including telemedicine
  • Health and wellness expense reimbursement
  • Support for telework equipment expenses
Full Job Description
As a data scientist, you provide the data needed to make business decisions, develop solutions and services adapted to business issues and understand member and client behaviour. You lead internal and external stakeholders in model development projects adapted to business needs and in complex strategic interventions in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence. Your initiatives require extensive, in-depth knowledge of your field.You help solve highly operationally and conceptually complex business problems using your ability to mine multiple data sources, your analytical skills and your in-depth, comprehensive understanding of the business line and the organization. You rely on your solid understanding of the various methods to make recommendations.You serve as an expert advisor and subject matter expert on data use for stakeholders, and as a resource person and coach for decision-making bodies. You interact with many stakeholders working in a wide range of fields to understand and communicate issues and influence decision-making. More specifically, you will be required to:

  • Ensure modelling processes make appropriate use of available data based on characterization, quality and processing as part of strategic initiatives
  • Use the validation process to ensure predictive modelling is carried out according to the established standards and meets Desjardins Group's quality criteria
  • Analyze the business needs behind the model and confirm the model's suitability through validation
  • Ensure the programming required to prepare and mine data and to develop, evaluate, support, roll out and manage innovative and conceptually complex models meets the required standards
  • Use advanced and innovative statistical, machine learning and AI methods to test the methodologies proposed by the first line of defence
  • Validate various types of models, including risk and financial valuation models, predictive models, machine learning models, natural language processing models, speech recognition models and generative AI solutions
  • Assess model robustness, performance, stability and explainability, as well as model-related risks, including algorithmic bias, model drift and issues related to responsible use of AI
  • Help draft governance documents, methods and methodological and technological approaches. Advise and train teams on quantitative model validation methods and help advance these methods to accelerate delivery
  • Represent the teams in dealings with various internal stakeholders
  • Monitor the industry to understand and anticipate emerging trends in your area of expertise.


What we offer*
  • Competitive salary and annual bonus
  • 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
  • Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
  • Group insurance including telemedicine
  • Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

#LI-Hybrid

What you bring to the table
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field
  • A minimum of sixyears of relevant experience
  • Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
  • Knowledge of French is required
  • Advanced knowledge of models and modelling methodologies in at least one of the following areas:
    • Credit: Scoring models, shadow ratings, regulatory and IFRS 9 parameters, including ECL and term structures for PD, LGD, EAD and SICR, as well as economic capital calculations and stress testing
    • Liquidity: Prepayment, LCR and NCCF models, including economic capital calculations and stress testing
  • Knowledge of AI and machine learning models, including predictive models, supervised and unsupervised models, recommendation systems, anomaly detection and decision optimization
  • Knowledge of generative AI, natural language processing and speech recognition models, including large language models, conversational agents, content generation and decision-support systems, classification, information extraction, language comprehension, transcription and content analysis
  • Knowledge of mathematical modelling, statistics and quantitative model validation
  • Knowledge of model explainability, robustness, monitoring and governance concepts
  • Programming knowledge using Python, SQL, SAS, R, C++, MATLAB or equivalent technologies
  • Knowledge of Basel regulations and interest in emerging AI governance frameworks
Communicates effectively, Complexity, Innovation, Interpersonal Savvy, Strategic mindset

Trade Union (If applicable)

Job Family
Data (FG)

Unposting Date
2026-09-2

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is a Canadian cooperative financial group with headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. It was founded in 1900 and has since grown to become the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, with over 7 million members and clients. The group offers a range of financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, and investment services. Desjardins Group operates primarily in Quebec and Ontario, but also has a presence in other Canadian provinces as well as in the United States and Europe. The group is committed to social responsibility and sustainability, and has implemented various initiatives to promote these values.
Learn more about Desjardins Group
Size
48,200 employees
Industry

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