Senior Data Scientist

About the Role

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced data scientist to help ensure AI models are reliable, fair, safe, and fit for purpose before they are deployed across Manulife. As part of the Global AI Model Validation and Governance (AIMVG) team, you will provide independent challenge, oversight, and validation of AI and machine learning models that support business decisions globally.

Working closely with model developers, business stakeholders, and governance teams, you will assess model performance, identify risks, and evaluate compliance with Manulife's Responsible AI principles and regulatory expectations.
 

Responsibilities

• Independently validate AI/ML and GenAI models, assessing model design, performance, limitations, and risks.
• Conduct model testing, benchmarking, sensitivity analysis, and other validation activities.
• Evaluate whether AI models are reliable, fair, safe, explainable, and fit for their intended purpose.
• Provide independent challenge and constructive feedback to model developers by identifying model weaknesses, limitations, assumptions, and risks, and recommending appropriate remediation actions
• Review model documentation, assess model design and performance, and communicate validation findings through clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations.
• Support model inventory management, model risk operations and AI governance processes.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and validation findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of AI governance, model risk management, and Responsible AI practices.
• Mentor and support junior data scientists through technical coaching, knowledge sharing, and review of validation approaches and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• At least 3-5 years of hands-on experience in data science, AI/ML development, model validation, model risk management, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Experience developing, testing, validating, or overseeing AI/ML models in a production environment, including exposure to Generative AI.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to independently challenge assumptions and assess model risk.
• Experience interpreting model performance metrics and conducting quantitative analysis.
• Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with model validation, independent model review, model risk management, or AI governance.
• Familiarity with Responsible AI concepts, including fairness, explainability, robustness, transparency, safety, and monitoring.
• Experience evaluating Generative AI, LLMs, RAG systems, or agentic AI solutions.
• Knowledge of AI governance and model risk regulatory expectations.
• Experience developing validation frameworks, testing libraries, or automated assurance tooling.
• Experience working in a global, cross-functional environment.

What We're Looking For

• A strong critical thinker who is comfortable challenging assumptions and providing independent oversight.
• A technically strong practitioner with experience building, testing, or validating AI models.
• Someone passionate about Responsible AI and ensuring AI systems are trustworthy, reliable, and safe.
• A collaborative team player who can translate complex technical concepts into practical business insights.