Principal Data Scientist AI Ethics Hybrid Remote

Principal Data Scientist

We’re the obstacle overcomers, the problem get-arounders. From figuring it out to getting it done… our innovative culture demands “yes and how!” We are UPS.  We are the United Problem Solvers.

About Information Management at UPS Technology:

The Principal Data Scientist – AI Ethics will focus on standing up the foundations for AI Ethics for UPS. This role will provide thought leadership and direction in the conception, creation, and delivery of machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. The candidate will also be responsible for offering sound advice on ethical AI practice, guarding the organization against bias, accidental consequences, and ensuring accountability. This position guides the organization to responsibly design, develop and implement ML and AI systems. The role will develop the framework that acts as a guide for data scientists and researchers on how to build AI systems in an ethical manner that benefits the society as a whole. This position supports senior leadership by planning and championing the execution of responsible AI across initiatives while delivering value to internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Partners  with world-class team of engineers and researchers on everything related to machine learning and artificial intelligence ethics, transparency, and accountability across the organization
• Leverages knowledge of business domains and a broad set of advanced analytical skills in the design and development of methodological standards, standardized processes, demos, and proof of concept(s) for the organization’s highest priority business needs
• Evaluates, tests, and implements new and emerging technologies with the potential to enhance risk identification and mitigation for UPS AI/ML systems
• Develops strategy and governing policies around the ethical and responsible use of AI/ML across the organization
• Supports senior leadership by planning and championing the execution of analytics initiatives aimed at delivering value to internal and external stakeholders with minimal risks
• Educates employees, as well as customers, on ethical considerations surrounding AI. He/She will develop cross-functional teams that function as sounding boards that focus on the implications of ML/AI deployments
• Offers sound advice on ethical ML/AI practice and guards the organization against bias, accidental consequences, and ensures accountability
• Manages ethical complexities as the company deals with large volumes of data. It is crucial to educate and upskill the entire organization about the implications of ML/AI apart from ensuring that adequate governance mechanisms are in place to address all the ethical concerns around ML/AI
• Ensures fairness and human rights stay at the center of ML/AI systems. He/She is also expected to contribute to product strategy

Other responsibilities:

• Assess  whether the leadership and resources allocated to AI are adequate and, if not, where any inadequacies exist, works with leadership to identify, and address its risks and impacts
• Determines where and how AI is used throughout the organization; evaluates whether the use of AI is appropriate in the circumstances and whether AI is yielding desired benefits, without increasing the organization’s risk exposure
• Collaborates with cross functional leadership, as well as the individuals with direct responsibility, for the ML/AI systems, to leverage knowledge of business domains, broad set of advanced analytical skills and governing policies during the design, development, and deployment of
• Evaluates  the ethical and other risks associated with the company’s use of AI and setting; oversees the placement of  appropriate “guardrails” regarding the use of AI
• Revisits policies, procedures  and  structure; determines whether “tweaks” or more substantial adjustments are needed periodically
• Considering the engagement of independent advisers and  to assist the company and/or the board to define and maintain a robust approach to AI ethics and/or to supplement the board’s skill sets

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of industry experience, with expertise in Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence including Business Analytics, or Data Analysis
• 7-10 years of experience with working with large and disparate data that is feeding AI and ML systems
• Expert Knowledge on Data Modeling, Cloud Development Architecture & Design , Business Process Analysis and Data Governance
• Significant prior success as a Data, Product, or Decision Scientist working on challenging problems at scale
• Strong ability to understand and comprehend code developed in Python, Java, or Scala
• Full stack experience in data collection, aggregation, analysis, visualization, productionization, and monitoring 
• Experience with transportation and logistics compliance programs and working in global cross-functional teams
• Have confidence to step into and lead through complex issues with diverse stakeholders, and the humility to recognize that the best approaches and ideas could come from anywhere.
• Preferred experience in AI Ethics, AI Governance, Responsible AI (5-7 years) - Required
• PhD in Mathematics, Operations Research, Analytics, Computer Science, or Statistics - Required
• Strong communication skills to interact with senior leadership and stakeholders; capable at simplifying complex concepts and technologies.
• Possess a data-driven approach to decision making and critical thinking