Senior Data Scientist

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.
We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to help drive a growing Data Science team to develop new analytic products. You will work with other Data Scientists and subject matter experts to conduct and manage outcomes of various analytic studies. As part of this team, you will be empowered to analyze data, create solutions and build production-ready models.
This position will report to a Principal Data Scientist for Optum Insights in Ireland. This role will support the development of an exciting new product which will form part of the Optum Insight product suite. The position will work in partnership with local analytic leadership in Ireland as part of the broader Optum Ireland ecosystem, while building solid relationships with US-based AI/ML experts.
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 or Letterkenny office and telecommuting from a home-based office in a hybrid work model.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end design, implementation, and launch of AI/Machine Learning/Deep Learning models that deliver measurable value to the Pharmacy product suite
• Evaluate and demonstrate the value of these models to business leaders through case studies and presentations
• Take ownership of the EDA, ETL, research and development of models, then deployment and maintenance of these models after being put into production
• Identify the appropriate approach for the problem at hand, be it Deep Learning, traditional ML, or LLM-based models
• Provide strategic/technical direction and thought leadership around AI/Machine Learning and become a Subject Matter Expert in AI/ML within the Optum Insights business
• Identify drivers of patient patterns & behaviors, leveraging Data Science techniques to uncover hidden insights and improve our ability to serve patients effectively
• Understand our business and strategy in order to identify and champion opportunities for Data Science, Machine Learning and AI projects. Communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and build consensus
• Manage multiple priorities and projects, while meeting deadlines
• Contribute to the design and realization of analytical based tools/assets to identify and monitor non-standard claim patterns
• Stay updated and informed on internal and external technological advances in AI/ML that can be applied within the Optum Insight business
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior Data Scientists and other team members
• Appreciate ethical and regulatory considerations in data science and apply them in practice

You will 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 providing development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field
• Proven experience working with Big Data, ability to handle millions of rows of data through database technology, either on-prem or cloud
• Proven extensive experience in Deep Learning, AI or Machine Learning bringing projects from PoC to Production
• Demonstrated proficiency in open-source frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, sklearn and others. Working knowledge of applying LLMs in code/ Practical experience using LLM APIs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Proven ability to take research whitepapers to production
• Proven experience working on clouds platforms, namely Snowflake, Azure ML and/or Databricks
• Proven previous experience of working with healthcare data (pharmacy, claims, clinical records, authorization, provider contracts etc.)
• Proven success in bringing ideas from conception to production
• Proven evidence of solid client management and presentation experience

Soft Skills:

• Possesses a natural curiosity to learn more, dig into details, and understand the key drivers of emerging trends and challenges
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely with team members, colleagues from other areas of the business and external clients
• Willingness to contribute positively to the culture of the team and wider organization

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.
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: 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. © 2025 Optum Services (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved.