Wells Fargo's Model Risk Management (MRM) team is seeking a Senior Lead Quantitative Analytics Specialist (AI Research Scientist Lead - Foundation Models & Agentic AI) to drive advanced AI initiatives. This role will lead the development and evaluation of next-generation Foundation Models, Agentic AI solutions, and Generative AI systems, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and aligned with regulatory expectations. This is a high-impact opportunity to operate at the intersection of AI innovation and model risk oversight, partnering with business, technology, and risk leaders to bring cutting-edge AI capabilities into real-world financial applications that serve millions of customers.
In this role, you will:
- Lead end-to-end research projects in Agentic AI / AI / Generative AI / Machine Learning from ideation, research, experimentation, implementation, evaluation, transfer and documentation.
- Contribute and lead building the next generation of foundation models and agentic AI systems trained / operating on large volumes of heterogeneous data - both structured and unstructured - that enhance Wells Fargo's products, services, and operations.
- Lead the deployment of foundation models, LLMs, and agentic AI systems into production, with a strong understanding of deployment trade-offs.
- Drive the exploration, application, and rigorous evaluation of emerging AI technologies that solve real-world challenges.
- Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including researchers, data scientists, applied engineers, and domain experts.
- Translate research insights into impactful business solutions, open-source contributions, patents, and publications.
- Publish in top-tier AI/ML conferences and journals and represent Wells Fargo in the broader AI research community.
- 7+ years of Quantitative Analytics experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
- Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, economics, or computer science
- PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related computational field, or an MSc with at least 3 years of relevant applied research / research innovation or industry experience building foundational models.
- Solid proven research track record with publications in top-tier AI/ML conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, NAACL, or EMNLP, combined with a demonstrated interest in translating research into real-world applications that impact millions of customers.
- Deep expertise in one or more specialized areas, including but not limited to: Foundation Models (GPT-4, BERT, LLaMA, Claude), Large Language Models (LLMs), Large Reasoning Models, Multimodal Models, Agentic AI
- Demonstrated ability to apply GenAI / Agentic AI in the full build lifecycle - design, implementation, testing, and iteration - leveraging AI coding copilots (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and agentic coding workflows to accelerate delivery while maintaining enterprise standards
- Hands-on experience with GPU infrastructure, Transformer architecture, modern AI/ML development frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, AWS, GCP.
- Strong engineering background with demonstrated ability to contribute to collaborative software engineering projects, including version control, code reviews, and scalable system design.
- Experience with transferring foundation models, LLMs, and agentic AI systems in production
- This position offers a hybrid work schedule
- Willingness to work onsite at stated location on the job posting
- This position is eligible for VISA sponsorship
- Three Wells Fargo Center, CHARLOTTE, NC
- 600 Wells Fargo, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
- Las Colinas Bldg B, Irving Campus, IRVING, TX
- West Des Moines Campus, 800 S Jordan Creek Pkwy, WEST DES MOINES, IA
- D Building,114N Beaumont St -D Bldg., SAINT LOUIS, MO
- 1150 W Washington, TEMPE, AZ
- 333 Market, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.
$185,000.00 - $300,000.00
Benefits
Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.
- Health benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid time off
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
- Parental leave
- Critical caregiving leave
- Discounts and savings
- Commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Scholarships for dependent children
- Adoption reimbursement
28 Jun 2026
* Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit's risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo .
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:
a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.
#BI-Hybrid
Skills Required
- 7+ years of Quantitative Analytics experience or equivalent
- Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline (mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, economics, or computer science)
- Willingness to work onsite at stated location (hybrid work schedule)
- PhD in Computer Science, AI, or closely related field (or MSc with 3+ years applied research building foundational models)
- Proven research track record with publications in top-tier AI/ML conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, NAACL, EMNLP)
- Deep expertise in Foundation Models, LLMs, Large Reasoning Models, Multimodal Models, or Agentic AI
- Hands-on experience with GPU infrastructure and Transformer architecture
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks and tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, AWS, GCP
- Demonstrated ability applying GenAI/Agentic AI across design, implementation, testing, and iteration
- Strong engineering experience: version control, code reviews, scalable system design
- Experience transferring foundation models, LLMs, and agentic AI systems into production
Wells Fargo Compensation & Benefits Highlights
How does Wells Fargo ensure its pay and bonus plans are competitive?
Wells Fargo ensures its pay and bonus plans remain competitive through a structured, performance-driven compensation philosophy combined with regular market benchmarking. The company’s approach is centered on “pay for performance,” meaning compensation is directly linked to individual contributions, business results, and overall company performance. This includes evaluating how employees meet regulatory expectations, manage risk responsibly, and contribute to long-term value creation.
To maintain market competitiveness, Wells Fargo conducts global compensation reviews using third-party consultants. These reviews assess both base salary and total compensation across the organization, factoring in role, level, tenure, and geographic differences. The company also evaluates pay equity and has reported no significant unexplained pay gaps following its most recent review. This process ensures that compensation remains aligned with industry standards while reinforcing fairness and transparency.
Bonuses and incentives are designed to reward strong performance and support retention of top talent. Compensation programs are structured not only to motivate employees but also to promote prudent risk management and discourage excessive risk-taking—an important consideration in financial services. In addition to performance-based pay, employees benefit from a comprehensive rewards package that includes a 401(k) match (up to 6%), stock purchase opportunities, and other financial wellness resources.
Together, these practices create a compensation framework that balances competitiveness, fairness, and long-term sustainability—helping Wells Fargo attract, retain, and reward talent across its global workforce.
Employee Perspective
“Wells Fargo has given me the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree. With the tuition reimbursement and the support of my managers, I’ve been able to gain some really valuable skills.”
— Destinee Richey, Business Intelligence Consultant
At-a-Glance
- Compensation philosophy: Pay for performance tied to individual, business, and company outcomes
- Market alignment: Global benchmarking with third-party consultants; no significant unexplained pay gaps
- Bonus structure: Performance-based incentives aligned with results and risk management
- Total rewards: 401(k) match up to 6%, stock purchase plan, financial wellness resources
External Signals
- Comprehensive Benefits: Employees give the company high marks for its benefits package, giving it an ‘A-’ rating and a 73% satisfaction score on external review sites (Comparably).
- LinkedIn Top Companies 2025: #3 overall, #1 in financial services
- Disability Equality Index: 100% score (multiple years)
- CAREERS & the disABLED Top Employers 2024: #3 ranking
- Military Friendly Employer (2025): Top 10 Gold Seal
Wells Fargo Insights
What We Do
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Our technology professionals drive innovation, information security, and big data analytics while maintaining a network that handles more than 12 billion customer interactions a year. Join us! Are you looking for more? Find it here. At Wells Fargo, we're more than a financial services leader – we’re a global trailblazer committed to driving innovation, empowering communities, and helping our customers succeed. We believe that a meaningful career is much more than just a job – it’s about finding all of the elements to help you thrive, in one place. Living the Well Life means you’re supported in life, not just work. It means having robust benefits, competitive compensation, and programs designed to help you find work-life balance and well-being. You’ll be rewarded for investing in your community, celebrated for being your authentic self, and empowered to grow. And we’re recognized for it – Wells Fargo once again ranked in the top three – making us the #1 financial services employer – on the 2025 LinkedIn Top Companies list of best workplaces “to grow your career” in the U.S. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic. © 2026 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
Why Work With Us
We're known for our “Well Life” approach to supporting employees’ career aspirations, work-life balance, and mental and physical health. We ranked in the top 3 on the 2025 LinkedIn Top Companies list – and #1 among financial services companies – as the best workplace “to grow your career” in the U.S.
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