Principal Data Scientist - Remote

Do you have compassion and a passion to help others. Transforming healthcare and millions of lives as a result starts with the values you embrace and the passion you bring to achieve your life’s best work.(sm)

This position works collaboratively with the Director, Risk Adjustment Innovation, Vice President, Risk Adjustment Support and SVP, Risk Adjustment to interpret business strategy and to research, analyze, design, and suggest innovative solutions. The focus area is to produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from structured and unstructured, diverse datasets. Applies knowledge of statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation, and advanced mathematics to recognize patters, identify opportunities, pose business questions, and make valuable discoveries leading to prototype development and product improvement. The aim of innovation is to challenge the status quo by using process- and technology-based solutions that are transformative in nature. This includes identifying and exploiting opportunities to evolve established processes and systems.

Position in this function works collaboratively with WellMed/OptumCare senior leadership to develop an innovation pipeline that allows the Risk Adjustment leadership team to groom, develop, and choose inventive ideas to execute. Coordinates all cross-functional activities. Represents Risk Adjustment and collaborates with leaders in various areas to achieve capital allocation when appropriate and implement approved innovative initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring that Risk Adjustment Business innovation is in alignment with the vision of the organization and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.

Position in this function reports to the head of Data Science for WellMed Medical Management

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

Applies knowledge of statistics, machine learning, programming, data modeling, simulation and advanced mathematics to recognize patters, identify opportunities, pose business questions and make valuable discoveries leading to prototype development and product improvement
Solves unique and complex problems within the Medicare Risk Adjustment business model with broad impact on the business and patient care
Develops an innovation pipeline with transformative activities that include both application logic and processes
Present findings to peers and data science / research leadership
Collaborates with senior leadership to ensure activities are appropriately integrated into the strategic direction, as well as the mission and values of the company
Collaborates with technology teams in developing technical solutions that will result in accurate and efficient data collection, data management and data reconciliation related to risk adjustment factor data processing (within the scope of the innovation pipeline)
Guide and help mentor junior and standard data scientists
Be a key contributor to Wellmed’s data science strategy and roadmap while collaborating with other scientists, ML engineers, and program managers on the execution of the roadmap
Maintain an awareness of trends in the field and research and suggest new methodologies
Autonomously drive the development of machine learning models on a cloud based infrastructure
Performs all other related duties as assigned

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:

BA or BS in Statistics, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics or related quantitative field
7 years of experience applying descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive statistics to real-world problems
7 years of experience in general programming language, e.g. Python
7 years of experience querying relational databases using SQL
7 years of experience in statistical computing and graphics using tools such as PySpark, DataIKU or other data science platforms
7 years of Experience in effectively reporting data, analyzing facts and exercising sound judgment when making recommendations to members of the Senior Leadership Team
Intermediate-level competence with Microsoft Office applications
A hunger for new technology and drive to stay on the bleeding edge

Preferred Qualifications:

MS Degree in Statistics, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics or related quantitative field
DataIku ML Practitioner and/or Advanced Designer Certification
Azure Data Scientist Associate Certification
Experience in Medicare Risk Adjustment and/or HEDIS Quality
Knowledge of ICD-10 coding requirements and regulations

Careers with WellMed. Our focus is simple. We're innovators in preventative health care, striving to change the face of health care for seniors. We're impacting 550,000 lives, primarily Medicare eligible seniors in Texas and Florida, through primary and multi-specialty clinics, and contracted medical management services. We've joined Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of companies, and our mission is to help the sick become well and to help patients understand and control their health in a lifelong effort at wellness. Our providers and staff are selected for their dedication and focus on preventative, proactive care. For you, that means one incredible team and a singular opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)

WellMed was founded in 1990 with a vision of being a physician-led company that could change the face of healthcare delivery for seniors. Through the WellMed Care Model, we specialize in helping our patients stay healthy by providing the care they need from doctors who care about them. We partner with multiple Medicare Advantage health plans in Texas and Florida and look forward to continuing growth.

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Nevada, Washington or New York City Residents Only: The salary range for California, Colorado, Connecticut, Nevada, Washington or New York City residents is $101,200 to $184,000. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

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•All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to 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 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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.