Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Scientist jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, environmental science, and materials science, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate through senior principal scientist. Chicago, the North Shore suburbs including Waukegan and Lake County, and the Champaign-Urbana region anchor most of the hiring, where employers like AbbVie, Baxter International, and the University of Chicago consistently bring on scientific talent. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include analytical chemistry, biomedical research, and environmental testing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 160+ Scientist jobs
ABOUT OUR COMPANY:
Over the years, our mission has expanded to include helping people with other forms of debt - such as refinancing credit cards, which are at all time highs in the US. And we've been able to refinance $6+ Billion in loans through our network of Splash, powered credit union and bank partners who leverage our marketplace and automated loan processing technology. And we've raised over $135 million from investors like partners of DST Global, Citi Ventures, TruStage Ventures, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, and more.
But at our core, we're still that little company from Cleveland with a big dream: to make people more powerful than their debt and we're just getting started..
ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE:
Splash is remote-first, and proud of it — though our collections team works in-person at our Arizona location.
We spend our days simplifying financial products and getting them into the hands of people who need them most. Right now, we're focused on building financial technologies that fundamentally transform how the industry lends.
Although Splash has been around since 2013, we still operate like a startup — fast-paced, nimble, and full of heart. We're good people who care deeply about doing meaningful work and we approach challenges with creativity, passion, and urgency.
And to hire the best, we provide the best: great health insurance, competitive salaries, and unique benefits like quarterly meet-ups and access to engagement tools that keep us connected — even from afar.
At Splash, everything we do is guided by our values:
Own It – We take full accountability and follow through on commitments.
Raise the Bar – We move fast, innovate faster, and push through barriers.
Say the Hard Thing – We speak up with honesty, respect, and a desire to solve problems and make things better.
Elevate Each Other – We win as a team by lifting each other up.
These values show up in how we work and how we connect — whether we're collaborating on big projects or bonding over everyday moments. Yes, we even have Slack channels for #kids-and-pets and #food because we believe being human makes us better teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Splash Financial is seeking a Senior/Staff Credit Data Scientist with deep expertise in consumer lending and credit risk analytics. In this role, you will leverage traditional credit bureau data and alternative data sources to develop predictive models, optimize credit and pricing strategies, and drive data-informed decisions that support responsible and scalable lending growth.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, analytical problem-solver who takes ownership of their work and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. You will apply rigorous statistical methodologies, maintain high standards for data quality and model performance, and approach complex challenges with curiosity and a solutions-oriented mindset. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to translate sophisticated analytical findings into actionable business recommendations.
At Splash, we value accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication. We encourage thoughtful debate, constructive feedback, and a willingness to challenge assumptions while remaining aligned on shared goals. Our team is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering meaningful results.
Join a team that values innovation, professional growth, flexibility, and work-life balance. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of high-impact initiatives, collaborate with talented colleagues, mentor others, and help shape the future of credit decisioning and lending at Splash Financial.
WHAT YOU'LL DO AT SPLASH:
- Develop and deploy statistical and machine learning models to predict credit risk, delinquency, defaults, and loan losses.
- Analyze credit bureau, alternative, and loan performance data to improve underwriting, risk segmentation, and credit decisioning.
- Build quantitative pricing models that optimize risk-adjusted returns, loan performance, and conversion.
- Develop and evaluate AI-powered agents and workflows to enhance underwriting, pricing, and analytical operations.
- Apply advanced statistical methods, feature engineering, and model validation techniques to improve predictive accuracy and reliability.
- Partner with Engineering to deploy scalable, production-ready models and analytical pipelines using Python and other data science tools.
- Monitor model performance, investigate data anomalies, and implement improvements based on changing portfolio trends and realized outcomes.
- Document modeling methodologies and incorporate applicable model governance, fair lending, data privacy, and responsible AI considerations.
- Lead complex data science initiatives, mentor colleagues, and provide constructive feedback on analytical approaches and technical implementations.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Credit Risk, Product, Engineering, and Finance to translate business challenges into actionable insights and measurable outcomes.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO SPLASH:
- Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field that provides specialized knowledge directly applicable to credit risk and pricing analytics. A Master's degree or PhD in a related discipline is strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in credit risk analytics, pricing analytics, statistical modeling, or related quantitative functions within consumer lending, preferably in unsecured consumer lending or a fintech environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Python, including its application to statistical analysis, predictive modeling, data manipulation, and the development of production-quality analytical solutions.
- Demonstrated expertise in statistical and quantitative modeling techniques, including regression analysis, predictive modeling, feature engineering, model validation, and performance evaluation.
- Strong understanding of consumer lending credit risk and pricing methodologies, including credit decisioning, risk assessment, loan performance analysis, and risk-based pricing optimization.
- Proven ability to apply advanced quantitative methodologies to complex financial datasets, interpret analytical findings, and develop data-driven recommendations that inform credit and pricing strategies.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex analytical concepts into actionable business insights, provide and receive constructive feedback, and contribute effectively to cross-functional decision-making.
COMPENSATION:
The base salary range for this role is $143,000 to $220,000 annually, based on market data and internal compensation practices. This role may also be eligible for a bonus component tied to individual and company performance. Final compensation will be determined by factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
SPLASHERS ENJOY:
- Fully remote work freedom (for most roles)
- Competitive salary packages
- Flexible PTO + 9 company holidays
- Equity: Share in our start-up success
- Comprehensive and affordable insurance benefits
- Paid parental leave for both caregivers
- Essential modern equipment to get the job done
- Fully paid Claude subscription to supercharge your work
- 401(k) for your future savings
- Quarterly meet-ups: In person & virtual fun
- Awesome Splash swag to flaunt your team spirit
Employment at Splash is based on individual merit. Opportunities are open to all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, handicap, national origin, ancestry, military status, veteran status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, affectional preference, or other irrelevant factors. Splash is an equal opportunity employer.
JOB OFFER & RECRUITMENT SCAM NOTICE
At Splash Financial, we want candidates to feel confident and safe throughout the hiring process. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes pose as employers to trick job seekers into sharing personal information or money.
PLEASE BE AWARE:
- Splash Financial will never ask for payment, banking details, or cryptocurrency as part of our hiring process.
- All legitimate job communications from Splash Financial will come from an @splashfinancial.com email address.
- We do not conduct interviews solely via text message or chat apps.
- Any offer of employment will be made only after a formal interview process and will be sent directly from Splash Financial.
IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE:
- Do not respond or share personal information.
- Do not click on unknown links or download attachments.
- Report the message to careers@splashfinancial.com
ABOUT OUR COMPANY:
Over the years, our mission has expanded to include helping people with other forms of debt - such as refinancing credit cards, which are at all time highs in the US. And we've been able to refinance $6+ Billion in loans through our network of Splash, powered credit union and bank partners who leverage our marketplace and automated loan processing technology. And we've raised over $135 million from investors like partners of DST Global, Citi Ventures, TruStage Ventures, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, and more.
But at our core, we're still that little company from Cleveland with a big dream: to make people more powerful than their debt and we're just getting started..
ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE:
Splash is remote-first, and proud of it — though our collections team works in-person at our Arizona location.
We spend our days simplifying financial products and getting them into the hands of people who need them most. Right now, we're focused on building financial technologies that fundamentally transform how the industry lends.
Although Splash has been around since 2013, we still operate like a startup — fast-paced, nimble, and full of heart. We're good people who care deeply about doing meaningful work and we approach challenges with creativity, passion, and urgency.
And to hire the best, we provide the best: great health insurance, competitive salaries, and unique benefits like quarterly meet-ups and access to engagement tools that keep us connected — even from afar.
At Splash, everything we do is guided by our values:
Own It – We take full accountability and follow through on commitments.
Raise the Bar – We move fast, innovate faster, and push through barriers.
Say the Hard Thing – We speak up with honesty, respect, and a desire to solve problems and make things better.
Elevate Each Other – We win as a team by lifting each other up.
These values show up in how we work and how we connect — whether we're collaborating on big projects or bonding over everyday moments. Yes, we even have Slack channels for #kids-and-pets and #food because we believe being human makes us better teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Splash Financial is seeking a Senior/Staff Credit Data Scientist with deep expertise in consumer lending and credit risk analytics. In this role, you will leverage traditional credit bureau data and alternative data sources to develop predictive models, optimize credit and pricing strategies, and drive data-informed decisions that support responsible and scalable lending growth.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, analytical problem-solver who takes ownership of their work and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. You will apply rigorous statistical methodologies, maintain high standards for data quality and model performance, and approach complex challenges with curiosity and a solutions-oriented mindset. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to translate sophisticated analytical findings into actionable business recommendations.
At Splash, we value accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication. We encourage thoughtful debate, constructive feedback, and a willingness to challenge assumptions while remaining aligned on shared goals. Our team is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering meaningful results.
Join a team that values innovation, professional growth, flexibility, and work-life balance. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of high-impact initiatives, collaborate with talented colleagues, mentor others, and help shape the future of credit decisioning and lending at Splash Financial.
WHAT YOU'LL DO AT SPLASH:
- Develop and deploy statistical and machine learning models to predict credit risk, delinquency, defaults, and loan losses.
- Analyze credit bureau, alternative, and loan performance data to improve underwriting, risk segmentation, and credit decisioning.
- Build quantitative pricing models that optimize risk-adjusted returns, loan performance, and conversion.
- Develop and evaluate AI-powered agents and workflows to enhance underwriting, pricing, and analytical operations.
- Apply advanced statistical methods, feature engineering, and model validation techniques to improve predictive accuracy and reliability.
- Partner with Engineering to deploy scalable, production-ready models and analytical pipelines using Python and other data science tools.
- Monitor model performance, investigate data anomalies, and implement improvements based on changing portfolio trends and realized outcomes.
- Document modeling methodologies and incorporate applicable model governance, fair lending, data privacy, and responsible AI considerations.
- Lead complex data science initiatives, mentor colleagues, and provide constructive feedback on analytical approaches and technical implementations.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Credit Risk, Product, Engineering, and Finance to translate business challenges into actionable insights and measurable outcomes.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO SPLASH:
- Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field that provides specialized knowledge directly applicable to credit risk and pricing analytics. A Master's degree or PhD in a related discipline is strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in credit risk analytics, pricing analytics, statistical modeling, or related quantitative functions within consumer lending, preferably in unsecured consumer lending or a fintech environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Python, including its application to statistical analysis, predictive modeling, data manipulation, and the development of production-quality analytical solutions.
- Demonstrated expertise in statistical and quantitative modeling techniques, including regression analysis, predictive modeling, feature engineering, model validation, and performance evaluation.
- Strong understanding of consumer lending credit risk and pricing methodologies, including credit decisioning, risk assessment, loan performance analysis, and risk-based pricing optimization.
- Proven ability to apply advanced quantitative methodologies to complex financial datasets, interpret analytical findings, and develop data-driven recommendations that inform credit and pricing strategies.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate complex analytical concepts into actionable business insights, provide and receive constructive feedback, and contribute effectively to cross-functional decision-making.
COMPENSATION:
The base salary range for this role is $143,000 to $220,000 annually, based on market data and internal compensation practices. This role may also be eligible for a bonus component tied to individual and company performance. Final compensation will be determined by factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
SPLASHERS ENJOY:
- Fully remote work freedom (for most roles)
- Competitive salary packages
- Flexible PTO + 9 company holidays
- Equity: Share in our start-up success
- Comprehensive and affordable insurance benefits
- Paid parental leave for both caregivers
- Essential modern equipment to get the job done
- Fully paid Claude subscription to supercharge your work
- 401(k) for your future savings
- Quarterly meet-ups: In person & virtual fun
- Awesome Splash swag to flaunt your team spirit
Employment at Splash is based on individual merit. Opportunities are open to all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, handicap, national origin, ancestry, military status, veteran status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, affectional preference, or other irrelevant factors. Splash is an equal opportunity employer.
JOB OFFER & RECRUITMENT SCAM NOTICE
At Splash Financial, we want candidates to feel confident and safe throughout the hiring process. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes pose as employers to trick job seekers into sharing personal information or money.
PLEASE BE AWARE:
- Splash Financial will never ask for payment, banking details, or cryptocurrency as part of our hiring process.
- All legitimate job communications from Splash Financial will come from an @splashfinancial.com email address.
- We do not conduct interviews solely via text message or chat apps.
- Any offer of employment will be made only after a formal interview process and will be sent directly from Splash Financial.
IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE:
- Do not respond or share personal information.
- Do not click on unknown links or download attachments.
- Report the message to careers@splashfinancial.com
See All 160+ Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Scientist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- AbbVie24
- Kraft Heinz8
- Entegris5
- Endeavor Health5
- Northwestern Medicine5
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Food & Beverage
- Science & Research
- Banking & Financial Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related scientific discipline
- Experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, chromatography, spectroscopy, or cell culture
- Familiarity with Illinois EPA or IEPA regulatory standards for environmental or industrial roles
- Proficiency in data analysis software including R, Python, SAS, or laboratory information management systems
- Strong written communication skills for technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory submissions
- Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and comply with GLP or GMP guidelines
Scientist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a scientist in Illinois?
Becoming a scientist in Illinois typically begins with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science, with many research roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Environmental scientists working in regulated capacities may interact with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for compliance purposes. Laboratory roles in clinical settings may require certification through bodies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which is recognized by Illinois employers as a standard credential.
Which companies hire scientists in Illinois?
Employers hiring scientists in Illinois right now include AbbVie, Kraft Heinz, and Entegris, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, biotech firms, and major research universities means hiring is consistent across both corporate and academic settings throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most scientist jobs?
Chicago, North Chicago, and Glenview have the most scientist openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its dense concentration of hospitals, research institutions, and corporate life sciences headquarters, while Lake County and the North Shore suburbs reflect the presence of large pharmaceutical employers like AbbVie and Baxter, and Champaign-Urbana draws academic and biotech research roles anchored by the University of Illinois.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Most scientist roles require hands-on laboratory or fieldwork that cannot be done remotely. About 83% of scientist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be in data-heavy specialties such as bioinformatics, scientific writing, regulatory affairs, or computational research.
How can I get hired as a scientist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to research associate or laboratory technician roles, which are designed for candidates with a degree but limited professional experience. Large Illinois employers like AbbVie and Baxter regularly recruit new graduates into structured associate scientist programs. Universities across Illinois, including Northwestern and the University of Illinois, offer research assistant positions that build hands-on credentials. Earning an American Society for Clinical Pathology certification or completing relevant coursework in GMP practices gives candidates a concrete edge in early applications.
Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 160+ Scientist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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