Senior Data Scientist

UnitedHealth Group; Ulster; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Ireland seeks a Senior Data Scientist within the UnitedHealthcare Network Analytics team. You will drive value from complex healthcare datasets using advanced analytics to improve patient outcomes.

The role supports a hybrid work model with split office/home arrangements in Ireland (Dublin/Letterkenny) and telecommuting. Responsibilities include designing experiments, prototyping ML solutions, collaborating across functions, and translating business needs into

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, data science, physics, CS, engineering or related quantitative field.
• Proven extensive experience with SQL and R/Python or other analytics languages.
• Demonstrated experience using programming to solve complex technical problems.
• Proven examples of applying analytics and data science to a business context.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex healthcare datasets to extract insights and identify patterns driving patient outcomes.
• Apply advanced data science techniques to solve non-routine analysis problems.
• Collaborate across functions to translate business requirements into data-driven solutions.
• Identify and prototype machine learning models for relevant use cases.
• Design and evaluate experiments to improve model performance and hypotheses.
• Leverage healthcare data to optimize resource allocation and operational efficiency.
• Research and integrate industry and public healthcare datasets where applicable.
• Develop understanding of U.S. healthcare industry to ensure relevant solutions.

Skills

SQL

R/Python

Data Visualization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mathematics/statistics/data science/CS/engineering

Tools

SQL

R

Python

Job description

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.

As a Senior Data Scientist in the UnitedHealthcare Network Analytics team you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by using advanced analytics to solve some of the most pressing challenges in the U.S. healthcare system. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that is making a real difference in the lives of millions.

Careers with Optum offer flexible work arrangements and individuals who live and work in the Republic of Ireland will have the opportunity to split their monthly work hours between our Dublin or Letterkenny office and telecommuting from a home-based office in a hybrid work model.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Analyze complex healthcare datasets to extract insights by identifying patterns, trends, and correlations that drive improvements in patient outcomes
• Maintain a curious mindset and a builder's approach to solving practical problems
• Apply advanced data science techniques to solve difficult, non-routine analysis problems
• Collaborate across functions to understand business requirements and translate them into data-driven solutions
• Identify optimal use cases for machine learning models. Design, prototype, and build these solutions
• Design and evaluate experiments to evaluate hypotheses and improve model performance
• Leverage healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency
• Research, utilize, and integrate industry and public healthcare datasets where applicable
• Actively work to gain an understanding of healthcare and the U.S. healthcare industry, ensuring solutions are relevant and impactful

You will 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 providing development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, data science, physics, computer science, engineering or related quantitative area
• Proven extensive experience with SQL and R/Python or other analytics languages
• Demonstrated experience using programming to solve complex technical problems
• Proven examples of applying analytics and data science to a business context
• Demonstrated effective communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree, PhD in a quantitative field or relevant professional qualification

Please note you must currently be eligible to work and remain indefinitely without any restrictions in the country to which you are making an application. Proof will be required to support your application.

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: Optum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, race, and membership of the Traveller community, or any other characteristic protected by law. Optum is a drug-free workplace. © 2026 Optum Services (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved.