Principal Data Scientist – Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

The Principal Data Scientist will be a crucial member of our data science team, responsible for leading complex projects, developing advanced models, and providing strategic insights to influence business decisions. Applies knowledge of statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics to recognize patterns, identify opportunities, pose business questions, and make valuable discoveries leading to prototype development, product improvement, and operational efficiencies. Uses a flexible, analytical approach to design, develop, and evaluate predictive and prescriptive models and advanced algorithms that lead to optimal value extraction from the data that allows the business to optimize or automate workflows. Works with analytics and statistical software such as SAS, SQL, R, Python and others to perform analysis, produce models, interpret data, and drive business value. This function is not intended for employees performing the following work: less complex analysis on small data sets; rules-based algorithmic or descriptive analytics; development of big data infrastructure.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Project Leadership: Lead and manage high-impact data science projects from ideation to implementation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timelines
• Model Development: Develop and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms to solve complex business problems and drive innovation
• Data Strategy: Contribute to the development and execution of the organization’s data strategy, including data collection, processing, and analysis
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, marketing, and operations, to identify opportunities for leveraging data to drive business solutions
• Mentorship: Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate complex data insights and recommendations to stakeholders, including executive leadership, in a clear and actionable manner
• Innovation: Stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI, and apply this knowledge to drive continuous improvement
• Technical Expertise: Provide technical expertise and thought leadership in data science, helping to shape the direction of data science initiatives within the company

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, analytics, computer science, or other field related to this work
• 8+ years of experience in data science, with at least 4 years in a senior or principal role
• 4+ years of experience in SAS
• Proficiency in programming languages such as SAS, Python, R, or SQL, and experience with data science tools and platforms like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar
• Demonstrated experience leading major projects or initiatives
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to prioritize, coordinate and delegate effectively
• Excellent critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, verbal and written communication skills
• Solid organizational and time management skills in a goal-oriented, fast-paced environment
• United States citizen

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in data science, analytics, statistics, or other field related to this work
• Experience working with clinical or medical data
• Experience working in SAS, R, Python, etc.
• Experience working with Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Services
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills
• Thorough understanding of service level agreements, key performance metrics, and other standard business measures
• Solid ability to collaborate and understand a diverse set of needs and perspectives across a broad group of stakeholders
• Ability to drive, influence and execute on large-scale projects/initiatives
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical staff as part of interdisciplinary teams

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy. 
 
  
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Washington Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $104,700 to $190,400 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.  
  

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. 
 

  
 
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.    
  

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
  
UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.