Senior Data Science Practitioner

Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Inc.; Okemos (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) savings plans

Tuition reimbursement or educational

Volunteer time

Job summary

Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana is seeking a Senior Data Science Practitioner in Okemos, MI, to lead domain-specific analytical data model development using SQL and dbt, supported by MS Excel and analytics languages.

You will drive the creation of governed data models, address complex business challenges, and collaborate with stakeholders across teams. The role emphasizes data quality, scalable modeling, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Clinical or Core Sciences, Computer Science, Business Administration or related field, with a master’s degree in data science, business analytics, analytics engineering, health informatics, or related field preferred and five years of experience with data.
• Position requires advanced knowledge of insurance business, the claims processing system and other business applications; experience with data modeling tools including SQL, dbt, and MS Excel; working knowledge of version control, data testing, documentation, and any of SAS, R, or Python is preferred; excellent communication skills and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex information to a variety of audiences, both technical and non-technical; the ability to collaborate in a team.

Responsibilities

• Leads domain-specific analytical data model development using SQL and dbt, supported by tools such as MS Excel and specialized data analysis languages and frameworks.
• Contributes to the building of governed, reusable analytical data models by applying dimensional modeling and software engineering practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of sourcing data and applying scalable data modeling methods to address complex business challenges.
• Leads and develops all aspects of domain research, analysis and shares findings with senior team members and other internal stakeholders.
• Acts as a consultant and liaison to internal and external clients on reporting, analytical, or research issues.
• Maintains and develops departmental data models and dbt pipelines to transform, store, and organize data.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots data pipeline and database problems.
• Collects, queries, manipulates, and validates large datasets, incorporating both internal and external data sources.
• Works efficiently with both structured and unstructured data sources and identifies potential data quality problems, applies appropriate tests and validation, and understands their impact on downstream analytics.
• Perform other related assigned duties as necessary to complete the Primary Job Responsibilities as described above.

Skills

Data modeling

SQL

dbt

MS Excel

Python

SAS

R

Education

Bachelor's degree in Clinical or Core Sciences, Computer Science, Business Administration or related field

Master’s degree in data science, business analytics, analytics engineering, health informatics, or related field

Tools

SQL

dbt

SAS

R

Python

Job description

Job Title

Senior Data Science Practitioner

Number of Positions

1

Location

Okemos, MI

Location Specifics

Hybrid

Job Summary

At Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana we work to improve oral health through benefit plans, advocacy and community support, and we amplify this mission by investing in initiatives that build healthy, smart, vibrant communities. We are one of the largest dental plan administrators in the country, and are part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, which operates two of the largest dental networks in the nation. At Delta Dental, we celebrate our All In culture. It’s a mindset, feeling and attitude we wrap around all that we do – from taking charge of our careers, to helping colleagues and lending a hand in the community.

Position Description

Leads domain-specific analytical data model development using SQL and dbt, supported by tools such as MS Excel and specialized data analysis languages and frameworks.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates deep understanding of insurance practice and specialized domains such as dentistry as it relates to business needs.
• Contributes to the building of governed, reusable analytical data models by applying dimensional modeling and software engineering practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of sourcing data and applying scalable data modeling methods to address complex business challenges.
• Leads and develops all aspects of domain research, analysis and shares findings with senior team members and other internal stakeholders.
• Acts as a consultant and liaison to internal and external clients on reporting, analytical, or research issues.
• Maintains and develops departmental data models and dbt pipelines to transform, store, and organize data.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots data pipeline and database problems.
• Collects, queries, manipulates, and validates large datasets, incorporating both internal and external data sources.
• Works efficiently with both structured and unstructured data sources and identifies potential data quality problems, applies appropriate tests and validation, and understands their impact on downstream analytics.
• Perform other related assigned duties as necessary to complete the Primary Job Responsibilities as described above.

#LI-Hybrid

Minimum Requirements

• Position requires a bachelor's degree in Clinical or Core Sciences, Computer Science, Business Administration or related field with a master’s degree in data science, business analytics, analytics engineering, health informatics, or related field preferred and five years of experience working extensively with data, with relevant industry working experience in applying analytical data modeling methods to domain specific subject matter.
• Will accept any suitable combination or education, training or experience.
• Position requires advanced knowledge of insurance business, the claims processing system and other business applications; experience with data modeling tools including SQL, dbt, and MS Excel; working knowledge of version control, data testing, documentation, and any of SAS, R, or Python is preferred; excellent communication skills and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex information to a variety of audiences, both technical and non-technical; the ability to collaborate in a team.

The company will provide equal employment and advancement opportunity within the context of its unique business environment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, familial status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, height, weight, military status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law or ordinance.

Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana has been a dental benefits leader for more than 60 years, and today with our affiliates, we are one of the largest dental plan administrators in the country. It’s our mission to improve oral health through benefit plans, advocacy and community support, and we amplify this mission by making investments that build healthy, smart, vibrant communities. We celebrate diverse thought and foster a culture where employees go All In – for the company, themselves, their colleagues and their communities.

Benefits

• Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) savings plans, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement or educational assistance.
• Employees are also eligible for annual incentive compensation based on annual business goals.
• Additionally, employees receive eight hours of paid volunteer time each year, access to an on-staff health coach and personal trainer, plus many other perks.

Delta Dental is an Equal Opportunity Employer.