Director Data Science - Remote (SAS Expert)

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 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.

The Director Data Science is accountable to produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from unstructured, diverse datasets. 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, product improvement, and operational efficiencies. 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 that allows the business to optimize or automate workflows. Works with analytics and statistical software such as SAS, SQL, R, Python and others to perform analysis, produce models, interpret data, and drive business value. 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.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research and Innovation: Lead and conduct advanced research to develop state-of-the-art machine learning models, algorithms, and data-driven solutions that deliver tangible business value
• Strategic Projects: Drive and manage high-impact data science projects from conception to deployment, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership and guidance to the data science team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Data Strategy: Define and execute the data strategy, including data acquisition, processing, and analysis to support strategic initiatives
• Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, marketing, and operations, to identify and address key business challenges through data science
• Mentorship: Mentor and coach junior data scientists, promoting best practices in data science methodologies and techniques
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate complex data insights and recommendations to executive leadership and other stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner
• Thought Leadership: Stay at the forefront of industry trends and advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI, and represent the company in industry forums and conferences

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:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in data science, analytics, computer science, or other field related to this work
• 10+ years of experience in data science, with at least 6+ years in a senior or principal role
• 8+ years of experience in SAS
• Experience leading major projects or initiatives
• Demonstrated expertise in unstructured data analysis
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to prioritize, coordinate and delegate effectively
• Demonstrated excellent critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated solid organizational and time management skills in a goal-oriented, fast-paced environment
• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain favorable adjudication following submission of Department of Defense eQuip Form SF86

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in data science, analytics, or other field related to this work
• Experience working with clinical or medical data
• Experience working in R, Python, etc.
• Thorough understanding of service level agreements, key performance metrics, and other standard business measures
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated solid ability to collaborate and understand a diverse set of needs and perspectives across a broad group of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to drive, influence and execute on large-scale projects/initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical staff as part of interdisciplinary teams

As a requirement of UnitedHealth Group's contract with the Department of Defense, this position requires U.S. citizenship and proof of favorable adjudication following submission of Department of Defense eQuip Form SF86, (the National Agency Check Legal and Credit or NACLC). Successful completion of the NACLC process is a requirement for continued employment in this role. NACLC processing will be initiated by our TRICARE Security Officer post-offer and can take 3-6 months for a final decision communication from the Department of Defense. Candidates will be allowed to begin employment with UnitedHealth Group in this role based on an interim clearance, and final results will be communicated as they are received. Failure to obtain final NACLC approval will result in termination from this role.

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, or Washington Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $122,100 to $234,700 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 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.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

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: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer 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.

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