
Sr Decision Scientist
at PayPal Holdings
Posted 5 hours ago
No clicks
- Compensation
- Not specified
- City
- Not specified
- Country
- United States
Currency: Not specified
Decision Scientists design and execute initiatives to mitigate fraud, improve customer experience, and drive measurable business impact. In the Identity Onboarding Risk Strategy team, they work in a complex big data environment, connecting systems, processes, data, and stakeholders to deliver data-driven risk solutions. They develop advanced data science models, collaborate with product, technology, data science, and engineering partners, and mentor junior data scientists. The role focuses on tracking identity risk KPIs and delivering end-to-end projects to enable sustainable growth.
The Company
PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.
We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.
We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.
Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.
Job Summary:
Decision Scientists are highly motivated team players with strong analytical skills who design and execute initiatives to mitigate fraud on PayPal’s platform, improve customer experience, and drive measurable business impact. Within the Identity Onboarding Risk Strategy team, they operate as problem solvers in a complex, fast-paced big data environment, connecting systems, processes, data, and stakeholders. They combine big-picture thinking with strong attention to detail to navigate ambiguity and translate complexity into effective, data-driven risk solutions. As self-starters with strong ownership and accountability, they drive initiatives end to end and collaborate closely with product, technology, data science, and engineering partners to deliver scalable solutions that protect PayPal and millions of users globally.Job Description:
Essential Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and implementation of advanced data science models.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements.
- Drive best practices in data science.
- Ensure data quality and integrity in all processes.
- Mentor and guide junior data scientists.
- Stay updated with the latest trends in data science.
Expected Qualifications:
- 3+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications:
Your way to impact:
Decision scientists in the Identity Onboarding Risk Strategy team are expected to deeply understand PayPal’s business objectives and drive meaningful impact on business performance. In this role, you will track and analyze key Identity Risk KPIs alongside financial and operational metrics, with the aim of continuously adapting PayPal’s advanced proprietary fraud prevention and customer experience mechanisms to enable sustainable growth.
Your day to day:
Track and measure performance against KPIs and goals to identify, assess and mitigate fraud risk while enabling safe growth
Develop, own and evolve data-driven risk decision strategies that support PayPal’s risk and business goals
Apply bottom-up, story-based and innovative analytical techniques to translate complex data and insights into clear, actionable narratives
Plan, drive and execute projects from start to finish, with partners across the company, including driving cross-functional initiatives from concept to execution, breaking down complex ideas and communicating them clearly to diverse stakeholders, to develop cutting-edge, scalable and safe solutions
Work closely with product and platform teams to design and deliver cutting-edge, scalable and safe products that enhance the experience for PayPal’s global customers
Grow and maintain strong partnerships across the organization, connecting insights across functions and effectively sharing updates and recommendations with senior leadership
Grow ongoing communication with partners across the company by connecting insights across functions, translating complex problems into clear, actionable narratives and sharing updates effectively with senior leaders
What do you need to bring?
Bachelor’s Degree (or above) in one of the following: economics, finance, engineering, exact sciences, etc.
3+ years of hands-on experience in relevant positions, e.g.: decision scientist, data analyst, data scientist, background in identifying trends and patterns / risk management / army intelligence units
Technical orientation; experience in SQL / R / Python / other programming language – a must
Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders
Proven analytical and problem solving skills, business mindset
Quick-thinker, fast learner, self-starter
Cross-disciplinary mindset with the ability to engage diverse functional experts and navigate across multiple viewpoints
Subsidiary:
PayPalTravel Percent:
0PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.
For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.
Our Benefits:
At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset-you. That’s why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most. We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.
Who We Are:
Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.
Belonging at PayPal:
Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.
Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.
We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.

