Principal Data Scientist – Strategic / Player–Coach role in Financial Crime Compliance

Danske Bank is looking for a Principal Data Scientist to join its Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) Analytics team in Vilnius. This is not a classical hands-on Data Scientist role. The position is designed for a senior, strategic analytics professional who can shape analytical direction, influence decisions, and act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders.

The role sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and business, with a strong focus on communication, ownership, and leadership rather than daily coding. The Principal Data Scientist will act as a player–coach within a highly skilled analytics team, defining what should be built and why, translating complex analytics into business language, and supporting the team’s growth.

This is a senior specialist role without direct people management, but with significant influence across projects, stakeholders, and overall analytical direction.

Key responsibilities

• Define and shape analytical initiatives within Financial Crime Compliance
• Take ownership of selected projects and lead them independently
• Act as a bridge between technical experts and senior, non-technical stakeholders
• Present analytical solutions to senior management and decision-makers
• Translate complex AI / ML concepts into clear business language
• Support and mentor team members through feedback, guidance, and coaching
• Challenge analytical approaches and help improve solution quality
• Maintain strong contextual understanding of Data Science, ML lifecycle, and data realities
• Daily hands-on coding is not the main focus of this role.

Must have

• Strong strategic mindset and ability to define direction
• Excellent communication skills with senior, non-technical stakeholders
• Very good English (spoken and written)
• Leadership maturity and mentoring capability without formal people management
• Solid understanding of Data Science (Python, SQL, ML lifecycle)

Nice to have

• Experience in Financial Crime, AML, Risk, or Compliance
• Background in regulated environments
• Experience working in large, stakeholder-heavy organizations
• Previous mentoring or coaching experience

• Strong professional growth opportunities, including learning programs, certifications, and internal mobility across a large international organization
• Hybrid working model with flexibility 
• Modern office environment designed to support focus, collaboration, and well-being
• Comprehensive health insurance and additional well-being initiatives, including mental health support
• Extra paid leave for health, volunteering, studies, and important life events, with additional days based on seniority
• Financial security benefits, including accident and critical illness insurance, travel insurance, and third-pillar pension contributions
• An international, diverse, and inclusive work environment with a strong focus on work–life balance
• Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and influence business-critical decisions
• Yearly bonuses