Key Requirement for the Position
Preferred Profile
Minimum Education Qualification: Post Graduation
8+ years in Data Science, with at least 5 years in a specialized Credit Risk environment (Fintech, NBFC, or Retail Banking)
Proven track record of taking models from ideation to production-grade deployment that impacted the bottom line
Strong familiarity with RBI guidelines regarding digital lending, data privacy, and model risk management
Exceptional ability to explain "why the model said no" to non-technical stakeholders and business heads
Expertise in blending traditional Logistic Regression (for interpretability/regulatory ease)
Expertise in Reject Inference techniques and survival analysis for credit life-cycle modeling
Deep understanding of risk metrics and capital requirements
Understanding the local market is mandatory
Job Description
Job Summary
Varthana is looking for a Lead Data Scientist to drive its risk modeling strategy and transform credit scoring into a dynamic, real-time decisioning system. This role combines technical leadership with business impact-building advanced models, owning the risk roadmap, and enhancing lending decisions across India. The candidate will also mentor the data science team and collaborate with leadership to align data-driven insights with profitability and policy decisions.
Key Role Deliverables
End-to-End Ownership: Lead the design, architecture, and deployment of the next generation of Credit Scorecards (Application, Behavioral, and Collection scores)
Alternative Data Innovation: Spearhead the integration of non-traditional data-such as Device Metadata, Account Aggregator (AA) flows, and E-commerce footprints-to enhance underwriting for thin-file customers
Portfolio Management: Partner with the CRO to optimize risk-based pricing and credit limits using advanced optimization techniques
Model Governance: Establish a rigorous framework for model validation, back-testing, and stress testing to ensure resilience against economic shifts
Mentorship: Lead and upskill a team of Data Scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and business-first thinking
