> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2313144-lead-ai-ml-applied-scientist](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2313144-lead-ai-ml-applied-scientist). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Lead AI/ML Applied Scientist

- **Company:** Unitedhealth Group Inc
- **Location:** Washington, DC, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $154,900.0 - $193,600.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Business Software, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Tensorflow, Pytorch, Large Language Models, Deep Learning, Model Validation, Generative AI, Information Technology, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
- **Published:** August 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/d6a96edf-49e0-4776-8525-9650fed35d21

## About the Role

* PhD in AI, computer science, data science, applied math or related technical fields
 * 10+ years of industry/academic experience in machine learning or a related field
 * 5+ years of building models for business application experience
 * 5+ years of Python programming skills and experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
 * Advanced understanding of Deep Learning with applications in Speech Processing, NLP and multimodal modeling, * Experienced mathematical background, especially in optimization theory, stochastic algorithms, and/or numerical methods
 * Experience with state-of-the-art algorithms and topologies including, but not limited to: VAR, GNNs, GANs, Transformers, deep and wide, SSMs, LLMs among others
 * Proven in-depth knowledge in Generative AI technology and Large Language Models (LLM)

#OptumTechPJ

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

## Description

* Build Machine Learning models, perform proof-of-concept, experiment, optimize, and deploy your models into production; work closely with software engineers to assist in productionizing the ML models
 * Perform hands-on analysis and modeling of healthcare data sets to develop insights that increase business value
 * Run A/B experiments, gather data, and perform statistical analysis
 * Establish scalable, efficient, automated processes for large-scale data analysis, machine-learning model development, model validation and serving
 * Research and implement innovative machine learning approaches
 * Mentor and help recruit AI/ML scientists and machine learning engineers to the team
 * Present findings and insights to senior leadership and at internal venues
 * Be the thought leader in cutting-edge AI research and proactively pursue IP submissions

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.


## Related Videos

- [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology)
- [Inside the AI Revolution: How Microsoft is Empowering the World to Achieve More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/869-inside-the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-is-empowering-the-world-to-achieve-more)
- [Machine learning in the browser with TensorFlowjs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/155-machine-learning-in-the-browser-with-tensorflowjs)
- [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding)
- [Geometric deep learning for drug discovery](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/264-geometric-deep-learning-for-drug-discovery)
- [Developing an AI.SDK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/198-developing-an-ai-sdk)

## Related Articles

- [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)
- [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts)
- [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models)
- [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development)
- [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud)
- [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production)