Optum Data Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 the AI and Data Science Strategy Leader within the Crimson AI team, you will be at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Our team is dedicated to designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI and machine learning capabilities that transform how healthcare is delivered and experienced via the Crimson AI clinical business intelligence platform. In this role, you will lead the creation of industry-leading AI solutions, utilizing advanced technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and agentic AI systems. You will collaborate with product and engineering teams to turn complex data into actionable insights, driving segment-wide and enterprise-wide impact. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI to improve lives and advance health equity on a global scale, we invite you to join us in our mission.

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:

• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in advanced data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, driving innovation and practice excellence across the enterprise
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of complex AI-powered and machine learning solutions that address critical healthcare challenges and transform industry practices within the Crimson AI suite
• Drive AI and data science strategy by evaluating emerging technologies, monitoring market trends, and partnering with Product leadership to define and execute the Crimson AI roadmap
• Serve as a trusted technical leader with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders, representing Crimson AI and translating complex AI capabilities into business value
• Manage a global team of data science and methodologists to successful delivery of new capabilities supporting product and engineering teams across the development life cycle
• Uphold ethical AI principles by embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the model development lifecycle, with a solid emphasis on the responsible use of AI
• Manage holistic data strategy and vendor contracts for Crimson AI, including identifying and onboarding additional partners
• Identify and solve highly complex problems that impact the management and direction of the business, having a segment-wide and/or enterprise-wide impact

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:

• 10+ years of professional experience in data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics, with a proven track record of designing, developing, and deploying complex, production-ready models
• 5+ years of experience leading complex, large-scale data science projects from research to production-ready capabilities
• 5+ years of experience utilizing programming languages like Python or R, and deep learning frameworks (such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn)
• 5+ years of team management experience leading a tenured team in a matrixed organization
• 3+ years of experience in deploying and monitoring AI/ML solutions in cloud-based environments (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP)
• 3+ years of experience presenting complex analytical concepts and AI/ML solutions to senior leadership and influencing business decisions
• Experience in the healthcare industry, particularly working with clinical, claims, or healthcare operational data

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the healthcare industry, particularly working with clinical, claims, or healthcare operational data
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product management, software engineering, and business strategy, to integrate models into software products
• Demonstrated experience building and promoting responsible AI frameworks, ensuring model fairness, transparency, and ethical compliance
• Expert-level understanding of advanced AI concepts, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), Computer Vision, or Agentic AI systems
• Active contributor to the broader AI community (e.g., publications, open-source contributions, or patents)

*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 $134,600 - $230,800 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.