Principal Data Scientist- Benson- Orleans

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed — our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken, and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This role is a key technical leader and authority within the company's AI Center of Excellence focused on advancing the development and responsible deployment of predictive, generative, and other AI models that fuel clinical decision support, operational intelligence, and novel digital health capabilities. In a deeply technical and hands‑on role, the incumbent partners across the organization to ensure AI models are not only mathematically rigorous but also aligned with real‑world implementation and measurable outcomes.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

• Required – Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related field.
• Preferred – Doctorate in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related field.

• Required – 8 years of applied data science or machine learning, including healthcare experience or a similar regulated domain. Deep fluency in Python, SQL, ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensor Flow, scikit‑learn) and cloud‑native development. Experience with MLOps and model‑lifecycle tools (e.g., MLflow, Databricks, Sage Maker). Demonstrated success developing and deploying production‑grade models in complex environments.
• Preferred – Familiarity with Epic, healthcare data and models (e.g., OMOP, HL7 FHIR), and clinical workflows strongly preferred.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate with clinicians, executives, and technical teams.
• Systems‑thinking approach with passion for improving healthcare through AI innovation.
• Ability to operate as both a builder and strategist – deep in code but also shaping direction.
• Comfort with ambiguity, collaborative mindset, and intellectual humility.
• Strong publication record and/or engagement in technical thought leadership.

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance‑related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sedentary work – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required…