Principal Data Scientist - Eden Prairie, MN or Remote

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 in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Principal Data Scientist serves as a trusted advisor and technical consultant for Optum Life Sciences' primary data solutions platform. This role combines deep expertise in data science, AI/ML, cloud technologies, and healthcare data with exceptional client-facing and communication skills. The individual will partner with clients, product teams, engineering teams, client service and business stakeholders to deliver innovative analytics solutions, drive product adoption, and influence the future direction of the platform.

Positions in this function produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from unstructured, diverse datasets typically measured in gigabytes or larger. Applies knowledge of statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics to recognize patterns, identify opportunities, pose business questions, and make valuable discoveries leading to prototype development and product improvement

Uses a flexible, analytical approach to design, develop, and evaluate predictive and prescriptive models and advanced algorithms that lead to optimal value extraction from the data

Works with analytics and statistical software such as SQL, R, Python, Hadoop and others to perform analysis and interpret data

This function is not intended for employees performing the following work: less complex analysis on small data sets; rules-based algorithmic or descriptive analytics; development of big data infrastructure

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

• Serve as the primary data science and technology consultant for both internal and external users of Optum Life Sciences' primary data solutions platform, ensuring a high standard of client satisfaction and support
• Analyze structured and unstructured healthcare datasets, including claims, clinical, and other large-scale data assets, to identify trends, opportunities, and business insights
• Apply advanced statistical methods, machine learning techniques, predictive modeling, simulation, and mathematical approaches to solve complex business problems and to drive innovation and operational and cost efficiencies
• Develop prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and scalable analytical solutions that contribute to product enhancement and business value
• Utilize analytics and statistical tools such as SQL, Python, R, Spark, and John Snow Labs (JSL) models to perform data analysis, develop reusable templates, and support client onboarding initiatives
• Stay current with emerging advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud technologies, and AWS services to provide informed recommendations and thought leadership
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, and Client Services, to support product development and innovation, integration, roll out to clients, and continuous improvement
• Gather and analyze client requirements, questions, and feedback through multiple intake channels, translating business needs into actionable recommendations for product and engineering teams
• Provide technical guidance, training, and best practices to clients and internal stakeholders to maximize adoption and value realization
• Support troubleshooting, issue resolution, and platform optimization efforts while maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders

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

• Proven experience (8+ years) in a client-facing data science, analytics, or consulting role, preferably within healthcare, life sciences, or technology industries
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based analytics platforms and AWS services, including SageMaker, EMR, and S3
• Experience working with healthcare claims, clinical data, real-world data (RWD), or healthcare analytics preferred
• Solid knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical modeling, and advanced analytics methodologies
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, R, and Spark for data analysis, model development, and large-scale data processing
• Proven excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively translate complex technical concepts into clear business value
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client engagements, priorities, and projects simultaneously
• Proven solid analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NLP and healthcare-specific AI technologies, including John Snow Labs, ClinicalBERT, BioBERT, MedLM, or similar frameworks
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles, Agile methodologies, and cloud-based solution architectures
• Proven solid client service orientation with a focus on building trusted, long-term relationships
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including business leaders, researchers, clinicians, and technical teams
• Proven excellent organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills
• Proven collaborative team player with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and organizational levels
• Proven solid consultative mindset with a passion for solving customer challenges through data and technology

Job scope and leveling guidelines:

• Predicts emerging customer needs and develops innovative solutions to meet them
• Solves unique and complex problems with broad impact on the business
• Participates in the development of business strategy
• Develops and manages business plans to achieve objectives
• Leads large, complex projects to achieve key business objectives
• Translates highly complex concepts in ways that can be understood by a variety of audiences
• Influences senior leadership to adopt new ideas, products, and/or approaches
• May have segment-wide impact
• Directs cross-functional and/or cross-segment teams

*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 $112,700 - $193,200 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.