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.

• 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.

• Proven experience (8+ years) in a client-facing data science, analytics, or consulting role, preferably within…