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 inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Join our team as a Data Scientist, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping workforce planning strategy through advanced forecasting, capacity planning, and optimization modeling. You will design scalable forecasting and optimization models to solve complex contact center staffing problems, including skill-based resource allocation where certain staff handle specific types of calls or case work. This role requires solid operations research modeling skills and Python skills to automate data pipelines and integrate third-party optimization libraries, ensuring efficient and intelligent workforce solutions.

 

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Workforce Optimization
  
  • Develop and implement long-term forecasting models to guide workforce planning, hiring plans, and budget allocation, incorporating skill-based constraints and relevant operational constraints
    
  • Own your projects by managing daily activities and timelines, while collaborating with leadership to align staffing models with business objectives, seasonal demands, and evolving initiatives
    
  • Translate operational requirements into mathematical optimization models to address workforce challenges, including multi-skill staffing and other operational constraints
    
  • Conduct ad-hoc analyses to inform strategic decisions, leveraging tools like Python, R, or SQL, and integrate optimization solvers such as Gurobi, CPLEX, or open-source alternatives
    
• Leadership & Mentorship
  
  • Drive the growth of our practice by sharing your expertise through impactful training and the creation of innovative solutions
    
  • Act as thought leader on research initiatives to advance workforce planning methodologies, including:
    
    • Develop Python-based automation to streamline forecasting and optimization processes, including automated data extraction, transformation, and model execution
      
    • Optimizing blended inbound/outbound contact center staffing to balance cost and service levels
      
    • Research and identify optimal strategies to staff vertically integrated contact centers, recommend analytical models and solution approaches that incorporate skill-based routing and minimize inefficiencies in workforce planning
      

 

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: 

• 5+ years of experience in data science, operations research, or related quantitative role or graduate coursework in supply chain management, statistics, industrial engineering, or management science
• Expertise in at least one scripting language (e.g., Python, R) and a solid knowledge of SQL and Excel
• Working knowledge of workforce management tools (e.g., Genesys, NICE, Aspect)
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling and optimization techniques relevant to contact center strategic planning and resource allocation
• Proven to collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement data-driven solutions
• Proven to be results-driven project leader with proven track record of managing end-to-end project lifecycles
• Proven to effectively communicate complex concepts and present insights to both technical and non-technical audiences with clarity and impact
• Demonstrates a problem-solving mindset with a focus on scalable solutions, solid attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in ambiguous situations

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in long-term forecasting, workforce analytics, or capacity planning, leveraging data-driven solutions within the healthcare industry
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in workforce optimization
• Tableau or Power BI visualization platforms

 

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy 

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer 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 us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $89,900 to $160,600 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.   

 

 

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. 

 

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.