UnitedHealth Group

Senior Principal Data Scientist - Remote

UnitedHealth Group$134K — $230K *
US-AnywhereRemote in San Diego, CA
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years of experience in machine learning and AI technologies
  • Expertise in deploying production-grade AI/ML solutions
  • Experience with large, complex datasets and building scalable data science solutions
  • Solid experience with LLM/GenAI techniques and agent-based workflows
  • Proficient in Python and modern ML frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow
  • Track record of measurable model accuracy and business outcome improvements
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of AI/ML solutions for clinical documentation improvement
  • Research and prototype advanced AI methods and architectures
  • Collaborate with product and engineering teams to create production-ready AI solutions
  • Serve as a technical leader influencing model strategies and architecture
  • Drive model evaluation and benchmarking for continuous improvement
  • Engage with stakeholders to align AI solutions with clinical workflows
  • Ensure compliant and effective use of healthcare data in complex environments
  • Influence AI strategic initiatives and assess competitive risks
  • Promote responsible AI practices in model development
  • Mentor data scientists and foster a culture of innovation

Benefits

  • Remote work flexibility within the U.S. with specific in-office requirements in Minneapolis or D.C.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness programs
  • Incentive and recognition programs to reward performance
  • Equity stock purchase options and 401k contribution
  • Development opportunities for career advancement
Full Job Description
This is a senior AI leadership role focused on advancing Clinical Documentation Improvement and coding intelligence solutions through state-of-the-art machine learning and generative AI technologies. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across traditional ML, deep learning, LLMs, RAG, and agentic systems, coupled with a proven ability to translate research into scalable healthcare products. Success in this position requires solid technical leadership, stakeholder influence, healthcare data experience, and the ability to drive measurable business and model performance improvements in a highly regulated environment.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI/ML solutions to identify and drive clinical documentation improvement (CDI) opportunities across large-scale healthcare datasets
  • Research, prototype, and productionize state-of-the-art AI approaches, including sequence models, Mamba architectures, CNNs, gradient boosting (e.g., XGBoost), and emerging LLM/GenAI techniques (RAG, prompt optimization, agent-based systems)
  • Partner closely with product, engineering, clinical SMEs, and AI research teams to translate innovative AI approaches into scalable, production-ready solutions
  • Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, guiding architecture decisions, model strategy, and experimentation frameworks to achieve step-change improvements in model accuracy and performance
  • Drive model evaluation, benchmarking, and continuous improvement practices to meet stringent customer expectations and contractual performance commitments
  • Collaborate with onshore stakeholders and customers, including participation in onsite engagements, to align AI solutions with real-world clinical workflows and business needs
  • Navigate complex data environments with regulatory and offshore constraints, ensuring compliant, secure, and effective use of healthcare data
  • Influence AI strategy and roadmap for key initiatives (e.g., OIO, CDI Reimagined, Chart Intelligence), while proactively assessing competitive and third-party technology risks
  • Uphold responsible AI practices by embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability into model development and deployment lifecycles
  • Mentor and elevate other data scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning


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:

  • 6+ years of experience applying machine learning, AI, and advanced analytics techniques, including experience developing and deploying production-grade AI/ML solutions
  • Experience working with large, complex datasets and building scalable data science solutions
  • Solid experience with LLM/GenAI techniques, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), prompt engineering, and agent-based workflows
  • Demonstrated expertise in multiple ML paradigms, including deep learning, sequence modeling, and tree-based methods, with hands-on experience across diverse model architectures
  • Solid Python programming expertise and experience with modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
  • Proven track record of driving measurable improvements in model accuracy, business outcomes, or product capabilities in high-stakes environments
  • Demonstrated solid collaboration and communication skills, with experience working directly with business stakeholders, customers, and cross-functional teams


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in healthcare, clinical data, or coding intelligence (ICD, CPT, SNOMED) domains
  • Experience leading or influencing AI strategy across large programs or portfolios
  • Experience working in regulated environments with data privacy, compliance, and security considerations
  • Experience collaborating with geographically distributed teams, including onshore/offshore delivery models
  • Working knowledge of SQL and data querying techniques
  • Familiarity with clinical documentation improvement (CDI) workflows and healthcare revenue cycle processes
  • Demonstrated ability to drive innovation in ambiguous, high-risk, and high-impact environments


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

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer 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 us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $134,600 - $230,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is a medical facility. They offer health technology, health finance, and pharmacy services. They are utilizing clinical data and intelligence to assist in the redesign, automation, and deployment of technology to streamline administrative operations and clinical decision-making. Payment systems for both consumers and providers are critical components of a health-care system.

UnitedHealth Group Careers

Joining UnitedHealth Group means becoming part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference. As a leader in health services and innovation, our company offers a variety of job opportunities that allow professionals to leverage their skills, drive innovation, and improve lives. Work You’ll Do At UnitedHealth Group, you’ll contribute to a mission-focused environment where your expertise will influence the health and well-being of people worldwide. Our employment opportunities span across a wide range of disciplines, from healthcare specialists to data analysts, ensuring that your career journey is both dynamic and rewarding. Transform Healthcare with Your Expertise UnitedHealth Group stands at the forefront of health innovation. Our team collaborates to deliver solutions that lead to better patient outcomes. Working with us, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and leadership, providing key insights that drive industry transformation. Join Our Global Team As part of our team, you’ll engage with over 300,000 professionals globally, dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. UnitedHealth Group is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow your career through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that every team member can thrive. UnitedHealth Group Career Development We are committed to your professional growth. Explore career paths filled with promising job opportunities and internships that will harness your potential and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, you’ll find that our career development programs support your ambition at every level. Innovative Work Environment At UnitedHealth Group, innovation is at the core of our operations. We encourage our team to bring forward-thinking ideas that challenge the status quo and lead to breakthrough improvements in patient care. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Enjoy the benefits of being part of a global team that’s committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Future-Proof Your Career With UnitedHealth Group, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of positions that offer both challenges and rewards. Our robust support system includes unmatched training, development programs, and certification support to propel your career forward. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the right position that matches your skills and interests. We are always hiring and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search UnitedHealth Group jobs today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. Read Careers Blog Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at UnitedHealth Group.
Learn more about UnitedHealth Group
Size
350,000 employees
Market Cap
$493.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$15.4 billion
Founded
1974
5 Year Trend
+9.2%
Revenue
$257.1 billion
NASDAQ

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