Optum is looking for a Sr Data Scientist in Minnetonka, MN (remote) to analyze healthcare-related structured and unstructured data and build predictive and AI/ML solutions that support better operational and business outcomes. You will collaborate across business and technology teams, deploy models into real workflows, and share insights with stakeholders. The role is backed by a comprehensive benefits package and compensation in the $91,700 to $163,700 range annually (based on full-time employment), with incentive and recognition programs and an equity stock purchase opportunity.

What you’ll do

Analyze structured and unstructured datasets to surface trends, opportunities, and business insights
Develop and deploy models for prediction, classification, clustering, and optimization
Use machine learning, statistical analysis, and AI techniques to address business problems
Discover hidden patterns and relationships within complex datasets
Support experimentation, hypothesis testing, and model validation
Partner with business, operations, and technology teams to define analytical requirements and solutions
Translate business challenges into data science use cases and analytical frameworks
Produce insights and recommendations to improve operational performance and business outcomes
Create reusable analytical assets, models, and reporting frameworks
Apply AI/ML approaches including predictive analytics, anomaly detection, recommendation systems, NLP, and generative AI when appropriate
Monitor and evaluate model performance, recommending enhancements as needed
Present analytical findings and insights to stakeholders
Contribute to data science best practices and continuous improvement efforts

What you bring

3+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, or Advanced Analytics
Experience working with large-scale datasets
Hands-on experience with ML frameworks such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost, or equivalent
Knowledge of data visualization and analytical storytelling
Proficiency in Python, SQL, R, or similar analytical languages
A strong foundation in statistics, predictive modeling, and machine learning
Proven problem-solving and communication skills

Tech stack you’ll use

Python, SQL, R, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost, NLP, generative AI, predictive analytics, anomaly detection, recommendation systems

Preferred qualifications

Experience with Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, or related technologies
Experience building predictive or decision intelligence solutions
Experience with anomaly detection, recommendation engines, or intelligent automation solutions
Experience working in large enterprise environments
Familiarity with cloud-based analytics platforms

Benefits and compensation

Comprehensive benefits package
Incentive and recognition programs
Equity stock purchase
401k contribution (all benefits subject to eligibility requirements)
Salary range: $91,700 to $163,700 annually (based on full-time employment)

Application timeline

Posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected
May come down early due to volume of applicants

Sr Data Scientist