Senior AI Scientist Advanced Analytics - CDAIO

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance fordriven professionalsto grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Santander’s Data & AI Science (DAISci) team is the scientific engine of the bank’s AI transformation. DAISci develops, tests, validates, and translates emerging AI methods and models into products and platforms that redefine how the bank learns, decides, and operates at global scale.

DAISci ensures learning systems and agents scale and remain reliable over time, and translates frontier AI research into trusted, large-scale decision systems that reshape how the bank learns, decides, and operates.

This role offers a rare opportunity to apply frontier AI to reshape financial systems.

Main Responsibilities:

The SENIOR AI SCIENTIST IN ADVANCED ANALYTICS leads the evolution of traditional data science practices into AI Science, leveraging modern learning systems and agentic architectures to transform how models are designed, evaluated, and operated. The role is designed for a strong individual contributor capable of combining classical analytical rigor with emerging AI methodologies to deliver scalable, production-grade intelligent systems.

The Senior AI Scientist is responsible for framing business challenges such as scientific problems, designing experimental strategies, and deploying advanced modeling approaches that go beyond conventional machine learning pipelines. This includes the application of modern AI techniques such as graph-based learning, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, advanced retrieval methods, and Generative AI, when appropriate to the problem.

Working hands-on within project squads, the Senior AI Scientist contributes directly to data preparation, model design, experimentation, validation, and operationalization. The role combines execution with leadership: guiding project direction, mentoring peers, and ensuring that methodological choices are grounded in evidence and aligned with risk and governance requirements.

The position requires close collaboration with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to ensure that models evolve from prototypes into reliable systems that adapt over time. The emphasis is on scientific rigor, measurable impact, and long-term system behavior, rather than isolated model delivery.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Experience

• 7-12 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or applied AI, with a demonstrable impact in production environments. (Required).

• Strong foundation in statistics, experimental design, and model evaluation, with experience translating business questions into testable hypotheses. (Required).

• Practical experience with modern AI techniques such as graph-based models, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation, representation learning, or advanced retrieval systems. (Required).

• Demonstrated ability to move from exploratory data analysis to scalable AI systems that operate reliably over time. (Required).

• Experience contributing meaningfully within cross-functional teams, while maintaining ownership of technical components and project outcomes. (Required).

Languages

• English level fluent or high. (Required).

• Spanish. (Preferred).

Hard Skills

• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python and modern ML frameworks) and familiarity with distributed data or ML environments. (Required).

• Ability to lead project-level execution as a senior individual contributor, combining hands-on development with methodological guidance. (Required).

• Curiosity and openness to emerging AI tools and paradigms, with a disciplined approach to validating their real-world applicability. (Required).

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

Your contribution matters, and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair, competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.

• We’reenable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.

• Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models -some days remote, some days onsite with your team-along with flexible hours.

• Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy (www.santanderopenacademy.com)

• Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, motivating you to keep growing with us.

• Financial advantages. Benefit frompreferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.

• Your health is our priority. ThroughBeHealthy, our global wellness programme, we promote Holistic wellbeing.

• We know family is everything. That’s why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes tailored to each life stage.

• Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families offering legal, emotional, and administrative advisory services.

• Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal subsidy, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And that’s only the beginning-we’ll tell you more when you join!

We’re here to keep you motivated, help you reach your goals, and celebrate your progress, every step of the way.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY?