Talent Pool – Senior Data Scientist
Business Unit: Discovery Health
Function: Data Sciences
Date: 11 Feb 2025
Discovery Health
Senior Data Scientist
About Discovery
Discovery is a globally recognized leader in the health insurance and financial services industry, dedicated to improving lives through innovation. Our core mission is to make people healthier while protecting and enhancing their financial security. We invest in exceptional individuals who align with our purpose and thrive in our dynamic, fast-paced environment. As industry pioneers, we leverage cutting-edge technology, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive meaningful change, ensuring both business success and societal impact.
About the Data Science Lab
Discovery’s Group Data Science (DS) Lab is expanding and actively recruiting top-tier talent. The DS Lab specializes in advanced predictive analytics, AI-driven solutions, machine learning (ML), and big data methodologies to support Discovery’s various business units. Our team works on high-impact projects across clinical, wellness, financial, sales, operations, and behavioral domains, leveraging state-of-the-art analytics tools on vast structured and unstructured datasets within a sophisticated big data ecosystem. We also explore innovative data applications beyond traditional insurance models, uncovering valuable opportunities for growth and optimization.
Key Purpose
The Data Science Lab is an elite, multidisciplinary team that addresses complex challenges within health insurance, life insurance, short-term insurance, and cross-functional Discovery Group initiatives. We seek experienced professionals (2–5 years) to contribute to projects such as:
- Behavioral science-driven risk management and next-best-action intervention design
- Integrating traditional data sources (e.g., wearable devices, web/app logs, health/life insurance claims) with novel data to enhance predictive models
- Designing experiments for product optimization, customer rewards, targeted marketing, and engagement strategies
- Customizing and deploying machine learning models for partner markets worldwide
This role offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art AI and ML technologies, ensuring real-world applications of advanced analytics to drive healthier customer outcomes and improved business efficiency.
Areas of Responsibility
As a Senior Data Scientist, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Developing and implementing machine learning models to predict risk, optimize sales strategies, and enhance savings potential
- Translating complex data insights into actionable recommendations for senior executives and business stakeholders
- Mining and visualizing large-scale structured and unstructured datasets to inform product innovation, customer retention strategies, and risk assessment models
- Overseeing end-to-end model deployment and monitoring performance for continuous improvement
- Running scientific experiments and A/B testing to evaluate model effectiveness
- Enhancing data collection processes and optimizing analytical workflows
- Producing high-impact analytical reports focused on customer engagement, business growth, and operational efficiency
Required Personal Attributes and Skills
- Strong problem-solving skills and a creative mindset for uncovering actionable insights
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a strategic perspective
- Results-driven, highly analytical, and capable of working independently or within cross-functional teams
- Effective time and project management skills
- Excellent communication skills for presenting data-driven insights to diverse audiences
- Passion for Discovery’s core mission and values
Education and Experience Requirements
- Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Engineering
- Proven ability to define problems, devise analytical solutions, and communicate findings effectively
- Demonstrated experience in an advanced analytics role, focusing on AI/ML model development and deployment in a business setting
- Expertise in data science programming languages and tools such as Python, R, SQL, TensorFlow, and PyTorch
- Hands-on experience with advanced ML algorithms, including Gradient Boosting Machines, Random Forests, and Deep Learning techniques
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for data visualization and reporting
Preferred Qualifications (Advantageous)
- Experience handling and processing large, disparate datasets using big data technologies such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, or cloud-based platforms
- A strong interest in the healthcare industry, particularly in leveraging behavioral science for disease prevention and management
- Expertise in strategic risk management within the healthcare and insurance sectors
Employment Equity
Discovery is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and those from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunity employment for all.
Join us in shaping the future of data-driven healthcare innovation. Apply now and become a key player in revolutionizing health insurance through AI and machine learning!
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