Principal Research Data Scientist - Remote

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Health Outcomes Research and Analytics (HORA) team is seeking a Principal Research Data Scientist that will work integrally with the pillar leads as a primary resource for the design, collection, analysis, presentation and publication of priority research projects. The Principal Research Data Scientist will report to the Chief of Staff for Value-Based Care and Innovation.  

The Principal Research Data Scientist will have both an active individual contributor role and serve as infrastructure specific lead to help develop and evaluate impactful clinical programs, increase efficiency, and ensure quality. Ideal candidates will have expertise in SAS or SQL programming to build analytic datasets from administrative claims and other health care databases, and experience in health services research/health economic and outcomes methodologies using real-world data.  

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and determine appropriate methods, perform statistical analyses, and generate peer-reviewed manuscripts to address research questions
• Actively participate with project teams to develop and draft study protocols and analytical plans
• Demonstrate the ability to manage all analytic and programming aspects of a research study from design through completion
• Support the research team as a subject-matter expert in statistical analysis, interpretation, and programming
• Actively participate in and/or coauthor peer-reviewed manuscripts and other documents of similar standards
• Perform data quality-control checks on code and deliverables
• Co-lead and oversee the development of analytic datasets and execution of statistical analyses with external partners to advance healthcare-focused research projects
• Communicate data requests clearly across multiple teams

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:

• 6+ years of study design, research methodology, and statistical analysis 
• 6+ years of experience supporting health services, health economics, and outcomes research  
• 6+ years of experience with administrative claims data, EHR/EMR data, or complex relational health care databases required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience using large administrative claims assets from health plan/payers 
• 6+ years of experience programming in SAS or SQL 
• 6+ years of experience with a statistical programming language (SAS, R, Python or equivalent)
• Experience authoring research protocols or analysis plans and working with a technical team to operationalize 
• Experience establishing and developing standard process and programs to improve quality and increase efficiency of research using real-world data   
• Experience working with Medicare data 
• Proficiency in executing multi-step data management and analysis tasks including creating data dictionaries and specification documents from research protocols 
• Proven track record of supporting publication of peer-reviewed literature and/or clinical conference abstracts 
• Proven ability to recognize and solve technical problems 
• Proven solid organizational skills and attention to detail  
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced team-oriented environment  
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities 
• Proven to be highly motivated and able to work independently 
• Proven desire and aptitude to learn quickly and employ critical thinking  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in development of analytic plans and protocols 
• Experience with CMS's Virtual Research Data Center (VRDC) 
• Proven ability to communicate research designs and results to non-technical audience 
• Proven ability to participate in project design and interpretation  

*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 $112,700 to $193,200 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.