Data Scientist 1

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.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support machine learning and AI model development including data prep and feature engineering
• Conduct exploratory data analysis on large datasets
• Implement and test models using Python-based ML libraries
• Assist with GenAI experimentation, prompt testing, and evaluation
• Document results and communicate findings clearly

• Collaborate closely with senior data scientists and engineers

   

• 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:

• Graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field
• 1+ years of data science or ML experience (industry, research, or academic)
• Proficiency in Python and working knowledge of SQL
• Proven solid analytical and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a quantitative field
• 1+ years of experience using Claude
• Interest or early experience in LLMs, NLP, or GenAI
• Experience with healthcare or regulated data
• Exposure to ML beyond coursework (projects, internships, production work)

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.