Lead Data Scientist

Onos

$130K — $180K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in data science or advanced analytics, preferably in healthcare or health plans.
  • Deep expertise in statistical modeling, causal inference, and machine learning using Python, SQL, and libraries like scikit-learn or PyTorch.
  • Familiarity with healthcare data standards such as claims, eligibility, EHR, and coding sets like ICD, CPT, HCPCS.
  • Experience building and deploying production-grade models in analytical or product settings.
  • Proven experience mentoring and leading high-performing data science teams.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset: resourceful, proactive, and capable of thriving in ambiguity.
  • Excellent communication skills for translating complex data into straightforward business insights.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy predictive, risk-scoring, and optimization models for behavioral health services.
  • Define and evolve the data science stack related to AI/ML infrastructure, including feature stores and model evaluation frameworks.
  • Conduct deep data exploration and analysis to uncover trends and generate actionable insights from claims and clinical data.
  • Collaborate with client teams to translate complex models into clear insights that demonstrate ROI and inform payer workflows.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration with the CEO, CPO, and engineering teams to guide product direction and data strategy.

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid work arrangement, approximately 3 days in the office.
  • Unlimited vacation policy for work-life balance.
  • Paid parental leave to support family growth.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits to ease travel costs.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  • Significant equity opportunities available for early employees.
  • Direct mentorship from experienced company founders.
  • Opportunity to help build team culture from the ground up.
  • Regular team events and off-sites to foster camaraderie and connection.
  • Company-provided equipment and home office setup for remote work efficiency.
Full Job Description
The Role

We're looking for a Lead Data Scientist who thrives in a fast-moving startup, loves solving complex problems in messy healthcare data, and wants to directly shape how payers manage care. This is a highly strategic and hands-on role at the intersection of data science, product, and clinical operations.

As Onos' lead data scientist, you'll own the development of our core analytics and AI models, from designing predictive frameworks to measuring clinical appropriateness and cost savings. You'll partner closely with product, engineering, and client teams to translate data into measurable impact for health plans, driving smarter utilization, improved outcomes, and reduced waste across Behavioral Health.

What you'll be doing at Onos:
  • Model Development: Design and deploy predictive, risk-scoring, and optimization models that identify waste, inappropriate utilization, and care improvement opportunities across behavioral health services.
  • AI/ML Infrastructure: Help define and evolve our data science stack, from feature stores and pipelines to model monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
  • Data Exploration & Analysis: Dive deep into claims and clinical data to uncover trends, outliers, and actionable insights.
  • Client & Product Impact: Partner with client teams to translate complex models into clear insights that demonstrate ROI, inform payer workflows, and maintain clear, impactful dashboards.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with the CEO, CPO, and engineering team to guide product direction, data strategy, and key client engagements.
What we're looking for:
  • 8+ years of experience in data science or advanced analytics (preferably in healthcare or health plans; experience with claims and clinical data strongly preferred).
  • Deep expertise in statistical modeling, causal inference, and ML (Python, SQL, and related libraries such as scikit-learn, statsmodels, PyTorch, or similar).
  • Familiarity with healthcare data standards (claims, eligibility, EHR/clinical data, coding sets like ICD, CPT, HCPCS)
  • Experience building production-grade models and deploying them in analytical or product environments.
  • Proven experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing data science or analytics teams.
  • Scrappy with an entrepreneurial mindset: resourceful, proactive, thrives in ambiguity, and moves fast
  • Excellent communication skills an ability to translate complex data into clear business insights
  • Exceptional references from colleagues and former managers
Benefits and Perks
  • Flexible hybrid arrangement: ~3 days/week at San Francisco office (Financial District)
  • Unlimited vacation policy
  • Paid parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • 401(k)
  • Significant equity as an early employee
  • Direct mentorship from experienced founders
  • Ground-floor opportunity to help build a team and culture
  • Regular team events and off-sites
  • Company-provided equipment and home office setup

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