Data Scientist

Optum is a global organisation 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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come, make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

As a Fortune 5 business, we’re one of the world’s leading healthcare companies. There are no limits here on the resources you’ll have or the challenges you’ll encounter. We have been supporting global healthcare systems from Ireland and the UK for more than 20 years, building a dynamic and diverse team of more than 2,100 talented individuals. With a continued record of growth and stability, we’re on the constant lookout for fresh talent to join our expanding teams. 
Data Scientists working within the Optum Ireland Analytics team, supporting Optum Health, are developing cutting edge analytical products from one of the world’s richest healthcare datasets. You will be at the intersection of business, technology and data science. This role will play a critical part in developing the next generation value-based care analytic engine. 

Careers with Optum offer flexible work arrangements and individuals who live and work in the Republic of Ireland will have the opportunity to split their monthly work hours between our Dublin office and telecommuting from a home-based office in a hybrid work model. You will be rewarded and recognised 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 providing development for other roles you may be interested in.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research, interpret, and analyse diverse and complex data and communicate findings to inform the business
  
• Work with the business to develop and operationalize analytic solutions
  
• Leverage big data analytics infrastructure comprising Python, Spark, Databricks and Snowflake to solve complex business problems in the healthcare domain
• Collaborate with fellow data scientists, business analysts, data engineers and subject matter experts to design and develop data science solutions
  
• Contribute to and engage with company innovation and patenting initiatives

You will be rewarded and recognised 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 providing development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, statistics, bioinformatics, actuarial science or similar
• Ability to clean, transform, and analyze data using programming languages such as Python or SQL
• Experience with statistical modelling and machine learning techniques 
• Proficiency in data visualization and communication of results
• Understanding of database management, data structures and modern big-data frameworks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters or PhD in applied mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, statistics, bioinformatics, actuarial science or similar
• Proficiency in Python, PySpark and other relevant computing environments
• Experience or knowledge with cloud-based data analytics platforms such as Azure, Snowflake and Databricks
• Experience in working with healthcare and/or temporal data
• Track record of designing and applying machine learning solutions for real world problems
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and ability to work within clear timelines and deliverables
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Understanding of ethical considerations in data science and ability to apply them in practice
• Understanding of business objectives and ability to translate them into data science projects

Soft Skills:

• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies and tools
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks effectively
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently to solve complex problems
• Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Please note you must currently be eligible to work and remain indefinitely without any restrictions in the country to which you are making an application. Proof will be required to support your application.

All telecommuters will be required to adhere to the UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy. 

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 marginalised 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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Optum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, race, and membership of the Traveller community, or any other characteristic protected by law. Optum is a drug-free workplace. © 2024 Optum Services (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved.

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