Data Scientist

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

RBC is a global leader in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the banking sector in order to create value for our clients, with capabilities ranging from LLM-powered digital banking, boosting ensembles in fraud detection and AML, voice assistants in customer service, to algorithmic trading in capital markets. A failure to effectively prepare for and manage emerging model risk related to AI would subject RBC to financial, regulatory, and reputational risks and, as a result, RBC would not be able to provide its clients with the best quality service. Therefore, the AI validation team within RBC’s Enterprise Model Risk Management (RBC Group Risk Management) is tasked with overseeing, assessing, and managing the model risk that may arise from these AI capabilities.

The AI validation team uses machine learning, statistical, and computational strategies to assess model risk. In doing so, RBC is able to identify model weaknesses early and enhance the reliability of production models across all lines of business.

What will you do?

• Application: You will have the opportunity to work in any of the many areas we work in, across an even wider variety of business functions, such as the following:

Types of Models

Classification, regression, anomaly detection, natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, recommendation systems, dimensionality reduction, Large Language Models including generative AI

Business Functions

Internal Audit, Cybersecurity, Fraud Management, Anti-Money Laundering, Insurance, Credit Risk, Technology Operations, Identity & Access Management, Human Resources

• Validation: Your role is to challenge models and identify risks associated with their use – both conceptually and empirically. To that end, you will design and execute validation frameworks, exploring modelling considerations such as conceptual soundness, data processing, metric reproducibility & stability, benchmarking, robustness, uncertainty quantification, fairness, privacy, explainability, implementation controls and more. You will also have the freedom to explore ideas that interest you and build your own models and tools.

• Research & Development: You will read research papers (established work and state-of-the-art) to enhance how our team validates models and contribute to our knowledge pool. You are encouraged to apply what you’ve learned to real-world problems, develop reusable software packages, and share your insights with others.

• IT: You will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to establish and promote best-practices related to MLOps, tooling and IT infrastructure.

• Governance: You will work with model developers (data scientists, researchers, engineers) and business stakeholders to inventory applications of AI and machine learning at the bank, determine their materiality, and assess whether they require review.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have

• Passionate about learning and staying up-to-date with research and technology

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Progress towards a PhD or Master’s degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Engineering, Quantitative Finance, or a related quantitative field

• Proficient programming skills in Python or a similar language; you should already be comfortable with writing research experiments and be willing to learn how to write clean code.

• Familiarity with popular machine learning frameworks and libraries

Nice-to-have

• A risk-oriented mindset: You are curious about the “how” as well as the “why"

• Publication or prior research experience (applied or fundamental)

• Experience with version control systems

• Comfortable with command line tools

What’s in it for you?

As a team, we thrive on the challenge to be our best, encourage progressive thinking for continued growth, and collaborate with one another to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and our communities prosper. We respect and care about all of our team members and support one another in reaching our fullest potential. We work together to make a difference in our communities and to achieve success that is mutual.

This opportunity will provide you with:

• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities

• Flexibility to work on projects that you are passionate about

• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact

• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team

• Opportunities to do challenging work and make a difference

• Opportunities to build close relationships

#LI-POST
#TECHPJ

Job SkillsClient Counseling, Communication, Critical Thinking, Financial Instruments, Group Problem Solving, Investment Risk Management, Market Risk, Quantitative Methods, Risk ManagementAdditional Job Details

Address:

ROYAL BANK PLAZA, 200 BAY ST:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

GROUP RISK MANAGEMENT

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-03-16

Application Deadline:

2026-06-30Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date aboveOur Employment OpportunitiesAt RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com.

RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.