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Phd Computer Science Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MS or PhD in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or other quantitative fields * 2+ years of experience with geospatial data (ex. GPS traces, spatial indexing systems, or routing ...

Senior Applied Scientist

Eagan, MN · On-site

$93.30K - $127.50K/yr

PhD or Master's degree with equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field * 5+ years of hands-on experience building and deploying production IR, NLP, ML, or ...

Senior Applied Scientist

Eagan, MN · Hybrid

$93.30K - $127.50K/yr

PhD or Master's degree with equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field * 5+ years of hands-on experience building and deploying production IR, NLP, ML, or ...

PhD or Master's degree with equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field * 7+ years of hands-on experience building production IR, NLP, ML, or GenAI systems ...

PhD or Master's degree with equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field * 7+ years of hands-on experience building production IR, NLP, ML, or GenAI systems ...

Senior Applied Scientist

Eagan, MN · Hybrid

$93.30K - $127.50K/yr

PhD or Master's degree with equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field * 5+ years of hands-on experience building and deploying production IR, NLP, ML, or ...

Master's degree or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Operations Research, or a related field. * Deep experience leading the design, deployment, and scaling of applied AI/ML ...

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Phd Computer Science information

See Minnesota salary details

$55.3K

$81.4K

$96K

How much do phd computer science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd computer science in Minnesota is $81,398.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $91,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Computer Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Computer Science, you need advanced expertise in algorithms, programming, and research methodologies, typically supported by a doctoral degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), data analysis tools, and familiarity with version control systems like Git are commonly required, along with experience in publishing academic research. Critical thinking, problem-solving, strong written and verbal communication, and perseverance are vital soft skills for success in research and collaboration. These skills and qualifications are essential for making significant contributions to the field, driving innovation, and effectively sharing knowledge with the academic and professional community.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD Computer Science students during their research?

PhD Computer Science students often encounter challenges such as defining a clear and impactful research problem, managing long-term projects with limited guidance, and coping with the pressure to publish in top-tier conferences or journals. Balancing coursework, teaching responsibilities, and research can also be demanding. Effective time management, networking with peers and mentors, and seeking regular feedback can help students navigate these challenges and achieve their academic goals.

What is a PhD in Computer Science?

A PhD in Computer Science is the highest academic degree in the field, focused on advanced research and the creation of new knowledge in computing. It typically involves several years of coursework followed by original research culminating in a dissertation. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, or advanced industry roles that require deep technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Is IT worth doing a PhD in CS?

A PhD in Computer Science can be valuable for careers in research, academia, or specialized industry roles requiring advanced expertise. It typically involves several years of study, research, and publication, and can lead to higher-level positions but may not be necessary for most industry jobs that value practical skills and experience. Consider your career goals and whether the research focus aligns with your interests before pursuing a PhD.
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Phd Computer Science jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Phd Computer Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Computer Science job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 31% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 57% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,398 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Senior AI/ML Applied Scientist - Remote

Senior AI/ML Applied Scientist - Remote

UnitedHealth Group

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site, Remote

$91.70K - $163.70K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


UnitedHealthcare rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 651 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for health care. We develop AI/ML solutions for the highest impact opportunities across UnitedHealth Group businesses including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. In addition to transforming the health care journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.

Optum AI team members:

  • Have impact at scale: We have the data and resources to make an impact at scale. When our solutions are deployed, they have the potential to make health care system work better for everyone
  • Do ground-breaking work: Many of our current projects involve cutting edge ML, NLP and LLM techniques. Generative AI methods for working with structured and unstructured health care data are continuously being developed and improved. We are working in one of the most important frontiers of AI/ML research and development
  • Partner with world-class experts on innovative solutions: Our team members are developing novel AI/ML solutions to business challenges. In some cases, this includes the opportunity to file patents and publish papers about the methods we develop. We also collaborate with AI/ML researchers at some of the world's top universities

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:

  • Develop novel AI approaches for healthcare using both structured and unstructured data
  • Build and test deep learning and traditional ML models in distributed computing environments
  • Design and plan experiments, conduct statistical analysis and create data visualizations
  • Communicate findings with business stakeholders and collaborate to develop solutions that meet customer needs
  • Collaborate with the Responsible Use of AI (RUAI) team to ensure that the delivered solutions are compliant with company policies and standards
  • Develop code and model documentation, patents and publications in scientific conferences and journals
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to develop robust data pipelines of MLOps procedures for new solutions
  • Stay up to date with latest technologies and literature  

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:

  • MS in computer science or a related quantitative field and 2 years of AI/ML experience OR a PhD in computer sciences or a related quantitative field focusing on AI/ML
  • 2 years of experience with Python, classical ML methods and deep learning, including deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with LLM frameworks and/or NLP approaches such as text embedding and text  
  • Experience with distributed computing approaches such as Spark
  • Experience with Snowflake and other relational databases
  • Experience working on collaborative software projects using GitHub
  • Proven solid technical communication skills  

*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. 


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