Manulife is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make decisions easier and lives better.
We are seeking a driven and innovative Senior Data Scientist to join our Artificial Intelligence team at Manulife Japan. As part of our broader AI initiatives, including Generative AI and Predictive AI, you will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing advanced AI solutions. Your work will be instrumental in optimizing operations, while also enhancing our Sales, Products, and Services to better meet customer needs.
## Job Description (Responsibilities)
People Leader Role: No
- In the Machine Learning domain, design and implement machine learning models including Classification, Regression, and Time Series, and own the full lifecycle from Feature Engineering through model evaluation and operations
- In the Generative AI domain, design and build optimal AI solutions tailored to use case, cost, latency, and regulatory requirements by combining core technologies such as RAG, Vector Search, Embedding, and Multi-Agent Orchestration with the use of LLM platforms (e.g., Azure OpenAI) and LLM / SLM Fine-tuning
- Design AI Evaluation frameworks tailored to each use case, and operate MLOps / LLMOps (monitoring, drift detection, continuous improvement) to continuously ensure and improve the quality of solutions in production
- Take ownership of projects of diverse scope and deliver them end-to-end, including building and presenting business cases on benefits, while considering Change Management
- Iteratively progress from hypothesis setting, data analysis, validation, to recommendation on business problems, and through collaboration with stakeholders drive decision-making and the adoption of AI-driven solutions
- Collaborate closely with Business, IT, Data, and Asia / Global counterparts to deliver end-to-end execution from requirements definition through model development, evaluation, AI Governance, and production release
- Leveraging Japanese / English (and other) language capabilities, act as a bridge between business and technical teams (and Asia / Global stakeholders) by building shared understanding through communication, documentation, and technical consulting
- As a Senior Data Scientist, leveraging deep practical experience, strong technical backbone, and high-level perspective, take a leading role in Responsible AI and AI Governance responsibilities
- Supervise the work of more junior Data Scientists and provide technical guidance and mentorship. Standardize processes, methodologies, and tools as best practices to contribute to the capability uplift of the entire team
## Requirements
### Required
- Advanced degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, or another quantitative field; or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience solving high-impact business problems with data science, with a specific recent focus on building Generative AI applications (e.g., AI Assistant, AI Agent). Industry agnostic
- Practical experience in machine learning techniques including statistical analysis, Supervised / Unsupervised Learning, and Time Series, as well as Feature Engineering, Model Evaluation, and Model Lifecycle Management
- Experience designing and implementing Generative AI applications (e.g., RAG, Agentic AI)
- Production operations experience with AI Evaluation frameworks and LLMOps / MLOps
- Strong programming skills in languages such as Python and SQL. Experience with prompt engineering and relevant packages such as LangGraph and AKKA agentic AI framework
- Proven track record of leading data science projects end-to-end, collaborating with cross-functional teams across AI Engineering, IT, and Business, including stakeholder management and the coaching and development of junior team members
- Excellent communication skills — able to explain sophisticated data science concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and to collaborate effectively with regional teams across Asia
- Japanese speaking at N2 level or above (able to communicate fluently in a business setting)
### Preferred
- Practical experience with LLM and SLM Fine-tuning
- Practical experience with big data processing platforms such as Azure, Databricks, and Spark
- Understanding of and practical experience with AI Governance and Responsible AI principles
- Experience or accomplishments in R&D through work, academic background, or personal projects
- Mindset to proactively shape one's own direction in an ever-evolving data science landscape, and a continuous learning attitude to stay current with technology trends and apply them to one's work
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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.
This job description is not a comprehensive listing of all job duties required for this role. We reserve the right to change these duties or assign additional duties at any time with or without notice.
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.
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 hr@manulife.com.
