Data Scientist – Python, Snowflake, SQL

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.

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• AI/ML Model Development – Design, develop, and fine-tune advanced AI models, particularly those based on Large Language Models (LLMs) for tasks such as summarization, question answering, and content generation
• RAG Pipeline Implementation – Build and optimize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines using tools like LangChain and LlamaIndex, integrating them into production environments
• Cross-functional Collaboration – Work closely with MLOps, engineering, and product teams to deploy, monitor, and maintain AI solutions that align with business goals
• Research & Experimentation – Conduct experiments to evaluate model performance, improve accuracy, and contribute to the development of reusable GenAI components
• Continuous Learning & Innovation – Stay updated with the latest advancements in deep learning, transformers, and generative modeling, and apply them to real-world healthcare and operational challenges
• Analyzes and investigates
• Provides explanations and interpretations within area of expertise
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI research
• Proven experience with LLMs, RAG architectures, and deep learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in Python, snowflake, SQL, and libraries such as Scikit-learn, Hugging Face Transformers, and Prompt Engineering. Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure or AWS for model deployment 
• Soft Skills – Solid problem-solving and communication skills, Ability to work in Agile environments and collaborate across teams

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.

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