Sr Data Scientist - Remote

Optum; Minnetonka (MN); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealthcare is seeking a highly analytical Senior Data Scientist to join a strategic enterprise program focused on transforming complex business processes through AI and ML. You will design predictive and prescriptive models, analyze diverse data, and translate insights into actionable business recommendations.

The role requires 5+ years in data science and hands-on experience with Python/R/SQL, ML frameworks, and large datasets.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning, or AI-related roles.
• 3+ years of experience programming in Python, R, or SQL for data modeling and analysis.
• 3+ years of experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost).
• 2+ years of experience working with large-scale structured and unstructured enterprise datasets.
• 2+ years of experience with experimental design, hypothesis testing, optimization, and predictive modeling.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges, collaborating with research, engineering, and product teams to translate cutting-edge AI advancements into scalable, production-ready capabilities
• Analyze large, complex, and diverse datasets to identify trends, anomalies, hidden relationships, and previously undiscovered insights across the enterprise
• Develop predictive, prescriptive, and optimization models to improve business performance and operational effectiveness using machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and generative AI capabilities
• Formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and validate findings using rigorous analytical and statistical methodologies
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML trends to inform solution design, strategic innovation, and continuous improvement across enterprise applications
• Uphold ethical AI principles by embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the model development lifecycle
• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Partner with business, product, operations, and technology teams to translate complex analytical findings into clear business recommendations and executive-level insights
• Design and implement scalable analytical frameworks, reusable models, and decision-support solutions
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts on analytical techniques, experimental design, and model development

Skills

Data science

Analytical thinking

Machine learning

Experiment design

Statistical modeling

Tools

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

XGBoost

Job description

At UnitedHealthcare, we're simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable and optimized. Ready to make a difference? Join us to start

Caring. Connecting. Growing together

We are seeking a highly analytical and innovative Senior Data Scientist to join a strategic enterprise program focused on transforming complex business processes through advanced analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). This role combines deep data science expertise with solid business acumen to uncover hidden patterns, identify opportunities that are not readily visible through traditional analysis, and deliver actionable recommendations that drive measurable business outcomes. The successful candidate will leverage statistical modeling, machine learning, predictive analytics, and modern AI techniques to solve complex business challenges, optimize operational processes, and design scalable decision-support solutions across the enterprise.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions to address complex business challenges, collaborating with research, engineering, and product teams to translate cutting-edge AI advancements into scalable, production-ready capabilities
• Analyze large, complex, and diverse datasets to identify trends, anomalies, hidden relationships, and previously undiscovered insights across the enterprise
• Develop predictive, prescriptive, and optimization models to improve business performance and operational effectiveness using machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and generative AI capabilities
• Formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and validate findings using rigorous analytical and statistical methodologies
• Evaluate emerging AI/ML trends to inform solution design, strategic innovation, and continuous improvement across enterprise applications
• Uphold ethical AI principles by embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the model development lifecycle
• Use enterprise-approved AI tools to streamline workflows, automate tasks, and drive continuous improvement
• Partner with business, product, operations, and technology teams to translate complex analytical findings into clear business recommendations and executive-level insights
• Design and implement scalable analytical frameworks, reusable models, and decision-support solutions
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts on analytical techniques, experimental design, and model development

You'll 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 provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning, or AI-related roles
• 3+ years of experience programming in Python, R, or SQL for data modeling and analysis
• 3+ years of experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost)
• 2+ years of experience working with large-scale structured and unstructured enterprise datasets
• 2+ years of experience with experimental design, hypothesis testing, optimization, and predictive modeling

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, or advanced AI techniques to business problems
• Experience building decision intelligence solutions that influence operational or strategic outcomes
• Knowledge of cloud-based analytics platforms and modern data ecosystems
• Experience developing recommendation engines, pattern detection frameworks, anomaly detection models, or intelligent automation solutions
• Experience operating in highly regulated, data-intensive enterprise environments
• All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $91,700 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.