Job Description

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 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.
Optum AI is UnitedHealth Group's enterprise AI team. We are AI/ML scientists and engineers with deep expertise in AI/ML engineering for health care. We develop AI/ML solutions for the highest impact opportunities across UnitedHealth Group businesses including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Financial, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. In addition to transforming the health care journey through responsible AI/ML innovation, our charter also includes developing and supporting an enterprise AI/ML development platform.
Optum AI team members:

• Have impact at scale: We have the data and resources to make an impact at scale. When our solutions are deployed, they have the potential to make health care system work better for everyone
• Do ground-breaking work: Many of our current projects involve cutting edge ML, NLP and LLM techniques. Generative AI methods for working with structured and unstructured health care data are continuously being developed and improved. We are working in one of the most important frontiers of AI/ML research and development
• Partner with world-class experts on innovative solutions: Our team members are developing novel AI/ML solutions to business challenges. In some cases, this includes the opportunity to file patents and publish papers about the methods we develop. We also collaborate with AI/ML researchers at some of the world's top universities

The Optum AI Sr Director, Client Scientific Solutions provides leadership for the development and deployment of applied AI/ML research and production initiatives at healthcare clients. This role leads applied research teams in developing and operationalizing advanced AI models, ensuring scalability and reliability. The Sr Director drives innovation, sets technical standards, and fosters collaboration across product and engineering teams to deliver measurable business impact.
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:

• Applied Research to Production: Lead applied research teams in transitioning AI models from concept to production, ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Oversee integration of research outputs into client production environments with solid governance and performance standards
• Collaboration: Partner with product and engineering leaders to translate business needs into technical solutions and foster cross-functional alignment
• Innovation Leadership: Drive adoption of advanced AI technologies and methodologies at clients deliver innovative solutions aligned with organizational priorities
• Responsible AI: Implement governance and standards for ethical AI practices, ensuring compliance and transparency in model development and deployment
• Ecosystem Development: Establish frameworks and best practices for model lifecycle management, monitoring, and continuous improvement

Talent Strategy: Mentor, develop and train senior technical leaders and build a solid pipeline of AI talent through coaching and development initiatives
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:

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML with proven success in leading large-scale projects
• Expertise in modern AI frameworks, machine learning algorithms, and model deployment
• Experience managing senior technical teams with solid leadership and communication skills
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms and scalable infrastructure
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable business impact through AI solutions
• Proven commitment to Responsible AI principles

*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 $156,400 to $268,000 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.
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.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
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Skills Required