Lead Data Scientist - Automated Underwriting & AI

Manulife John Hancock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife John Hancock is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to develop advanced analytics and AI solutions that enhance underwriting decisions and automation. You will lead problem definition, model development, and production deployment while guiding a team of data scientists and collaborating with underwriting, product, and technology stakeholders.

This hands-on role emphasizes scalable, interpretable models, technical leadership, and clear communication of recommendations to both technical and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Actuarial Science, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8 years of experience applying statistics, machine learning, or predictive analytics to complex business problems.
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, model evaluation, and experimental design.
• Proficiency in Python or R and SQL, with experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Demonstrated experience developing analytical solutions from concept through production implementation and monitoring.
• Experience leading analytical workstreams and providing technical guidance to other data scientists.

Responsibilities

• Partner with underwriting, business, product, and technology stakeholders to identify and prioritize data science opportunities.
• Lead data science projects from problem definition and data exploration through modeling, evaluation, implementation, and enhancement.
• Develop statistical and machine-learning models using techniques appropriate to the business problem, available data, and intended use.
• Analyze large and complex datasets to identify patterns, generate insights, and support business decisions.
• Define model-evaluation approaches and ensure solutions are accurate, interpretable, stable, and aligned with business objectives.
• Evaluate new data sources, analytical methods, and third-party solutions through structured analysis and experimentation.
• Collaborate with data engineers, ML engineers, software engineers, and technology teams to implement analytical solutions in production.
• Monitor model performance, investigate unexpected outcomes, and recommend improvements as data and business conditions evolve.
• Prepare clear technical documentation to support implementation, validation, governance, and ongoing model management.
• Provide technical direction, review analytical work, and mentor data scientists and other analytical contributors.

Skills

Statistics

Data science

Python/R

SQL

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Actuarial knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Statistics or related

Master's degree in related field

Actuarial designation (asset)

Tools

Cloud platforms

Model governance

External data evaluation

Third-party model assessment

SQL databases

Job description

Manulife John Hancock is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to develop advanced analytics and AI solutions that enhance underwriting decisions and automation. You will lead problem definition, model development, and production deployment while guiding a team of data scientists and collaborating with underwriting, product, and technology stakeholders.

This hands-on role emphasizes scalable, interpretable models, technical leadership, and clear communication of recommendations to both technical and