Senior Data Scientist - Payment Integrity AI/ML

Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As part of Optum's Payment Integrity Decision Intelligence team, the Senior Data Scientist will support our mission to drive medical cost savings and efficiency within Payment Integrity clinical operations using advanced AI/ML tooling to drive detection and inventory prioritization. You will apply knowledge of statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling to recognize patterns, identify opportunities that improve clinical audit processes.

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:

• Interact with business stakeholders to understand their AI/ML requirements and deliver projects aligned with the business portfolio
• Drive and manage high-impact data science projects from conception to deployment, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including analytic engineering, infrastructure, and operations, to design and deploy models
• Document and communicate findings, methodologies, and insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Monitor and refine model performance through on-going evaluation, ensuring robust performance
• Maintain compliance with legal, ethical, regulatory, and organizational standards

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:

• 3+ years of experience in Data Science
• 2+ years of experience in traditional machine learning and statistical modelling
• 2+ years of experience in coding in Python, SQL, and related languages
• 1+ years of experience with big data technologies
• Appreciation of ethical considerations in data science and commitment to apply them in practice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data processing in Spark
• Experience with Databricks
• Experience with healthcare claim data
• Experience in transitioning projects from proof-of-concept (PoC) to production, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and performance
• Demonstrated knowledge of the full life cycle of AI/ML projects, including EDA, model development, tuning, and drift analysis

*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 to $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

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.