Principal Data Scientist - Scientific AI (Life Sciences)

McKinsey; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 214,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to help build and shape its Scientific AI offering in North America. You will develop AI/ML models, pipelines, and knowledge assets, while guiding client discussions and delivering execution-focused solutions.

You will mentor colleagues, translate complex analytics for executives, and contribute to a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment with a strong emphasis on ethics and impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 8+ years or PhD with 7+ years in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related research
• Domain knowledge in the Life Sciences industry
• ML experience including causality, Bayesian statistics & optimization, survival analysis, design of experiments, longitudinal analysis, transformers, Knowledge Graphs, Graph NNs, Deep Learning, computer vision
• Strong programming in Python (R, C++ optional) and analytics libraries (pandas, numpy, matplotlib, scikit-learn, pymc, pytorch/tf/keras, langchain)
• Proven experience applying ML techniques to solve business problems
• Experience leading teams of at least 3 people
• Experience with version control (GitHub)
• Ability to write production code and perform code reviews
• Proven end-to-end ownership of independent workstreams
• Experience advising external parties and/or functions
• Exceptional time management in a largely autonomous environment
• Strong presentation and written communication skills to explain complex analytics to non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Tackle complex data challenges, develop advanced models, and create impactful solutions to optimize client performance
• Mentor others and collaborate with world-class talent in a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and growth
• Develop new internal knowledge, build AI/ML models & pipelines, support client discussions, prototype development, and deploy with client delivery teams
• Translate technical outputs into actionable recommendations for senior leaders
• Write optimized production code to advance the Data Science Toolbox and codify analytical methodologies

Job description

McKinsey is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to help build and shape its Scientific AI offering in North America. You will develop AI/ML models, pipelines, and knowledge assets, while guiding client discussions and delivering execution-focused solutions.

You will mentor colleagues, translate complex analytics for executives, and contribute to a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment with a strong emphasis on ethics and impact.