Associate 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 inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Associate Data Scientist supports the development of analytics, machine learning, and data-driven solutions that improve business performance and decision-making. Working under the guidance of senior data scientists and analytics leaders, this role performs data preparation, exploratory analysis, model development support, reporting, and insight generation using structured and unstructured datasets.

The individual applies foundational knowledge of statistics, data science, programming, and business analytics to solve routine problems, contribute to analytical projects, and deliver actionable insights for business stakeholders. The role follows established methodologies, standards, and governance practices while continuously building technical and domain expertise.

Primary Responsibilities:

Data Analysis & Insights

Collect, clean, validate, and prepare data from multiple sources for analysis

Perform exploratory data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and business opportunities

Support the development of dashboards, reports, and visualizations to communicate insights

Assist in translating business questions into analytical approaches

Data Science & Modeling

Support the development, testing, and validation of statistical and machine learning models

Apply basic predictive and descriptive analytics techniques under supervision

Participate in feature engineering, model evaluation, and performance monitoring activities

Document methodologies, assumptions, and analytical findings

Technical Execution

Utilize tools such as SQL, Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, or similar technologies for analysis and reporting

Develop and maintain data queries, reusable code, and analytical workflows

Follow coding standards, data governance, and security requirements

Collaboration & Stakeholder Support

Work with business partners and project teams to understand data requirements

Present analytical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Participate in team discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and project reviews

Seek guidance on complex assignments while independently managing routine deliverables

Continuous Learning

Stay current on emerging analytics, AI/ML, and visualization tools

Build healthcare, pharmacy, payer, or business domain knowledge relevant to assigned projects

Complete required technical, compliance, and professional development training

Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regard to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Builder Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions using no-code, low-code, and advanced platforms, translating business needs into scalable applications that enhance products, workflows, and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative discipline.

1+ years of experience in analytics, data science, machine learning, reporting, or a related field.

Foundational knowledge of statistics and analytical techniques.

Basic programming experience in Python, R, SQL, or similar languages.

Understanding of data preparation, visualization, and reporting concepts.

Solid problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Internship or project experience in data science, machine learning, or business analytics

Experience with Power BI, Tableau, Databricks, Azure, AWS, or cloud analytics platforms

Exposure to healthcare, pharmacy, insurance, or payer datasets

Understanding of AI/ML lifecycle, model governance, and data quality principles

Familiarity with Generative AI, prompt engineering, or automation tools

Key Competencies:

Data Analysis & Interpretation

SQL & Python Programming

Communication & Storytelling

Continuous Learning Mindset

Statistical Thinking

Data Visualization

Attention to Detail

Machine Learning Fundamentals

Problem Solving

Collaboration & Teamwork

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.