Scientist Responsible AI - CDAIO

Country: Spain

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a high-impact global brand to 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 an opportunity for motivated professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to help people and businesses thrive. As part of the global AI Transformation team, you'll lead and manage strategic AI initiatives that drive impact across global companies and key functions. We are looking for someone who connects business, AI, and technology, ensuring that AI solutions create measurable value.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Santander’s Data & AI Science (DAISci) team is the scientific engine of the bank’s AI transformation. We develop, test, validate, and translate emerging AI methods into products that redefine how the bank learns, decides, and serves customers.

DAISci operates at the intersection of advanced research and real-world impact — translating frontier AI into robust, compliant, and production-ready systems across risk, customer experience, operations, and beyond.

Joining DAISci is a rare opportunity to apply state-of-the-art AI in one of the world’s largest financial institutions, shaping intelligent systems that are not only powerful, but also trusted, transparent, and aligned with societal expectations.

This role will act as a key catalyst ensuring that AI is used responsibly, safely, and aligned with corporate standards.

Main Responsibilities:

We are seeking an AI SCIENTIST specializing in RESPONSIBLE AI. You will contribute to the development and operationalization of Santander’s AI principles, working across the different areas of the DAISci group to ensure we build safe, trusted, and responsible AI throughout the full lifecycle of our products — from design to deployment and monitoring.

The role combines scientific research with applied execution, advancing responsible AI methodologies, interpretability techniques, robust frameworks, and alignment strategies, while translating them into scalable, fair, and reliable systems.

You will collaborate closely with engineering, validation, governance, and product teams; contribute to Santander’s research and publication agenda; explore emerging approaches in trustworthy AI; and mentor peers to strengthen the organization’s expertise in responsible and reliable AI systems.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, with specialization in Responsible AI, trustworthy machine learning, AI safety, fairness, interpretability, or AI governance.
• Proven track record of advancing AI/ML through high-impact research publications, patents, open-source contributions, or transformative product innovations — particularly in areas related to model robustness, fairness, explainability, privacy, or safety.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into production, operationalizing concepts such as bias detection and mitigation, interpretability techniques (e.g., SHAP, counterfactuals, causal methods), robustness testing, model monitoring, uncertainty estimation, or safety guardrails into scalable and reliable systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, DGL, or PyG.
• Deep understanding of responsible AI principles, including fairness metrics, model risk management, explainability techniques, adversarial robustness, privacy-preserving methods, and regulatory alignment (e.g., AI governance frameworks).
• Strong connections with academia and the wider AI research community, a passion for shaping the frontier of responsible AI, ability to shape research agenda.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

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

• We enable our teams to go further through global opportunities and broad career paths.
• Flexibility that works. Enjoy hybrid work models—some days remote, some days in-person with your team—along with flexible schedules.
• 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 very competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, which motivates you to continue growing with us.
• Economic advantages. Take advantage of preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
• Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global wellness program, we promote  holistic wellness.
• We know that family is everything. That's why we offer child care support and family programs tailored to every stage of life.
• Always by your side. Access Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families that offers legal, emotional and administrative advice services.
• Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal allowance, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as discounts and exclusive offers for Santander employees. And that's just 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 to be an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, marital 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 position you're interested in, apply.
 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP ON YOUR JOURNEY?

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