Lead Data Scientist (AI & ML)

At Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

About The Department

Franklin Templeton Technology (FTT) drives the technology strategy and delivers innovative technology solutions for Franklin Templeton (FT), a global investment leader delivering innovative multi-asset solutions across public and private markets. FT integrates asset allocation, manager research, and implementation to drive portfolio construction, execution, and strategic oversight. Joining FT means working in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment that values innovation in investment technology.

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will design and implement advanced AI and machine learning (ML) solutions to enhance decision-making and automation. You’ll work with cutting-edge technologies, including Generative AI and large language models (LLMs), supporting FT’s mission to modernize investment processes and insights. Collaboration with data engineers, quantitative researchers, and investment professionals will be key to operationalizing scalable, high-impact AI systems. This position will be located in our San Ramon, CA office; we may consider a remote work location for certain designated areas within the U.S.

How You Will Add Value

Core Responsibilities

• Ai & Ml Development:

• Build, train, and deploy ML and AI models to solve business challenges and improve investment decisions.
• Apply Generative AI, LLMs, and deep learning to automate analysis and reporting.
• Implement models using MLOps practices for scalability and reliability.
• Continuously monitor and refine performance.

• Data Engineering:

• Develop automated pipelines for collecting, cleaning, and validating structured and unstructured data.
• Partner with engineering teams to ensure robust data governance and accessibility.

• Analytics & Insights:

• Perform statistical and exploratory analysis to uncover trends and opportunities.
• Use AI-driven analytics to support portfolio construction, risk management, and client insights.
• Present findings clearly through dashboards and visualizations.

• Collaboration & Innovation:

• Translate business needs into AI-based solutions in partnership with portfolio managers and product teams.
• Research emerging AI methods (e.g., retrieval-augmented generation, vector search) and prototype new applications.
• Contribute to FT’s AI capability development and best practices.
• Build, train, and deploy ML and AI models to solve business challenges and improve investment decisions.
• Apply Generative AI, LLMs, and deep learning to automate analysis and reporting.
• Implement models using MLOps practices for scalability and reliability.
• Continuously monitor and refine performance.
• Develop automated pipelines for collecting, cleaning, and validating structured and unstructured data.
• Partner with engineering teams to ensure robust data governance and accessibility.
• Perform statistical and exploratory analysis to uncover trends and opportunities.
• Use AI-driven analytics to support portfolio construction, risk management, and client insights.
• Present findings clearly through dashboards and visualizations.
• Translate business needs into AI-based solutions in partnership with portfolio managers and product teams.
• Research emerging AI methods (e.g., retrieval-augmented generation, vector search) and prototype new applications.
• Contribute to FT’s AI capability development and best practices.

What Will Help You Be Successful In This Role

Experience, Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related field
• 2–4 years of experience in data science, AI, or ML (experience with LLMs preferred)
• Strong Python and SQL skills; experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn
• Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP; knowledge of MLOps frameworks
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Compensation Range: Along with base compensation, other compensation is offered such as a discretionary bonus, 401k plan, health insurance, and other perks. There are several factors taken into consideration in making compensation decisions including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. At Franklin Templeton, we apply a total reward philosophy where all aspects of compensation and benefits are taken into consideration in determining compensation. The salary, benefits and variable rewards will reflect the seniority of the position and a competitive market rate. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $180,000 to $200,000.

When applying, please be sure to attach your resume / CV. Applications without a resume file attachment will not be reviewed.

#Li-Hybrid

#Mid_senior_level

Experience Our Welcoming Culture And Reach Your Professional And Personal Potential!

Our culture is shaped by the variety of perspectives and experiences brought by talent from around the world. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.

By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton.

Highlights Of Our Benefits Include:

• Three weeks paid time off the first year
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits
• Employee Stock Investment Program

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Purchase of company funds with no sales charge
• Onsite fitness center and recreation center*

• Onsite Cafeteria*

*Only applicable at certain locations

Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
 
If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.