Remote Lead Data Scientist – AI & Risk Modeling

Sedgwick; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Sedgwick is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead the design and deployment of advanced statistical and machine learning models across claims, risk, and operational domains. You’ll serve as the technical authority on complex modeling initiatives and collaborate with AI Engineering to productionize models in enterprise platforms.

You will architect modeling approaches using gradient boosting, deep learning, NLP, and probabilistic methods, while mentoring junior scientists and translating

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or related quantitative discipline.
• 8–12+ years of experience in data science, statistical modeling, or advanced analytics roles.
• Deep expertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling techniques, and predictive analytics methodologies.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or similar analytical languages.
• Extensive experience working with large, complex datasets in enterprise environments.
• Proven experience designing and implementing end-to-end modeling pipelines.
• Strong understanding of model validation, feature engineering, and performance evaluation techniques.
• Experience collaborating with engineering teams to deploy models into production systems.
• Familiarity with distributed data processing tools and modern data platforms preferred.
• Experience in insurance, claims management, healthcare, or financial services analytics preferred.
• Ability to communicate advanced analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex analytical initiatives that drive measurable business value.
• Strong mentoring and technical leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced statistical and machine learning models that improve claims outcomes, operational efficiency, and risk management.
• Serve as the technical authority for complex modeling initiatives including fraud detection, claims severity prediction, litigation risk modeling, and recovery optimization.
• Develop predictive and prescriptive models using structured and unstructured claims data, including adjuster notes, medical records, and policy documentation.
• Architect modeling approaches that leverage modern techniques such as gradient boosting, deep learning, NLP, anomaly detection, and probabilistic modeling.
• Partner with AI Engineering teams to productionize models and integrate them into enterprise AI platforms and operational systems.
• Design feature engineering strategies and modeling pipelines using large-scale enterprise datasets.
• Establish best practices for model development, experimentation, validation, and reproducibility.
• Lead advanced analytical techniques such as causal inference, scenario simulation, and risk scoring methodologies.
• Build and maintain model evaluation frameworks that measure accuracy, bias, stability, and business impact.
• Monitor deployed models for drift, degradation, and changing data distributions, and recommend recalibration strategies.
• Provide technical guidance to data scientists and analysts across the organization.
• Mentor junior team members on statistical methods, machine learning techniques, and analytical rigor.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for business leaders and operational teams.
• Collaborate with Claims Operations, Finance, Risk, and IT stakeholders to identify high-impact analytical opportunities.
• Evaluate external data sources and third‑party analytical solutions that enhance predictive capabilities.
• Ensure analytical methodologies align with enterprise governance standards and regulatory expectations.
• Contribute to Sedgwick's broader AI and advanced analytics strategy by identifying emerging technologies and modeling approaches.
• Lead research and innovation initiatives that advance Sedgwick's predictive analytics capabilities.

Skills

Machine learning algorithms

Statistical modeling

Data science

Python

R

Data manipulation

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Analytics storytelling

Education

Master’s/PhD in quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

Spark/Hadoop

Job description

Sedgwick is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead the design and deployment of advanced statistical and machine learning models across claims, risk, and operational domains. You’ll serve as the technical authority on complex modeling initiatives and collaborate with AI Engineering to productionize models in enterprise platforms.

You will architect modeling approaches using gradient boosting, deep learning, NLP, and probabilistic methods, while mentoring junior scientists and translating