Data Scientist 2

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.  

We are seeking a highly analytical and results-oriented Data Scientist to develop predictive models, optimize business operations, and drive data-driven decision-making across the organization. The ideal candidate combines strong statistical and machine learning expertise with practical business acumen and the ability to translate complex analytical insights into measurable business outcomes.

The role will focus on forecasting, predictive analytics, workforce optimization, automation, and AI-driven business solutions while collaborating closely with business stakeholders, operations teams, and leadership.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and deploy predictive models for forecasting, demand planning, attrition prediction, capacity planning, and operational optimization
• Design, build, and maintain machine learning solutions using Python and SQL
• Analyze large structured and unstructured datasets to identify trends, risks, and business opportunities
• Create forecasting models with high accuracy using statistical and machine learning techniques
• Build automated analytics solutions and dashboards using Power BI and other visualization tools
• Develop scenario planning and simulation models to support strategic business decisions
• Collaborate with business leaders to understand requirements and convert them into statistical analytical solutions
• Evaluate model performance, conduct feature engineering, and continuously improve prediction accuracy
• Present insights, recommendations, and model outcomes to senior stakeholders
• Drive AI and automation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual effort
• Mentor junior analysts and promote data-driven decision-making across teams
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Required Qualifications:

• Post-Graduate with Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative discipline
• 3+ years of experience in analytics, forecasting, data science, workforce analytics, or operations research
• Experience delivering measurable business impact through predictive analytics and automation
• Experience with Machine Learning algorithms such as:
  • Random Forest
  • Decision Trees
  • Gradient Boosting
  • Regression Models
  • Classification Models
  • Clustering Techniques
• Experience or knowledge in the following:
  • Statistical Analysis and Predictive Modeling
  • Time Series Forecasting and Demand Forecasting
  • Data Visualization using Power BI
  • Advanced Excel and analytical modeling
  • Data Cleaning, Feature Engineering, and Model Validation
• Understanding of AI-driven automation solutions
• Knowledge of SQL for data extraction, transformation, and analysis
• Proven solid communication skills with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical Skills:
  • Scikit-Learn
  • Pandas
  • NumPy
  • XGBoost
  • Forecasting Libraries
  • Azure/AWS/GCP Analytics Services
  • MLOps and Model Deployment
  • Generative AI applications for enterprise analytics

Business & Functional Skills

• Workforce Management Analytics
• Capacity Planning
• Resource Optimization
• Scenario Planning
• Business Performance Analytics
• KPI Design and Monitoring
• Process Improvement
• Stakeholder Management
• Business Problem Solving

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.