Data Scientist (FULLY REMOTE)

Job#: 3028454 Job Description: Apex Systems is hiring a Data Scientist for a major Healthcare company. Location: Fully remote anywhere in the United States Employment Type: 8-month contract with high probability to extend. Role Overview Apex Systems is seeking a Data Scientist to develop predictive models and advanced analytics solutions across large and complex healthcare datasets. This role will focus on applying statistical and machine learning methodologies to generate actionable insights that support clinical, operational, and financial decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong quantitative expertise, hands-on modeling experience, and the ability to work with diverse healthcare data sources to drive measurable business impact Key Responsibilities • Develop and deploy predictive models (classification, regression, risk scoring). • Design, train, and validate machine learning models using structured healthcare datasets. • Select appropriate algorithms based on problem framing, data characteristics, and business objectives. • Implement end-to-end modeling workflows from data extraction through deployment-ready artifacts. • Perform feature engineering and data enrichment within data pipelines. • Create robust, domain-informed features from claims, utilization, demographic, and longitudinal datasets. • Conduct hyperparameter tuning and model performance evaluation. • Apply systematic tuning strategies (grid search, random search, Bayesian optimization) and rigorous validation techniques (cross-validation, holdout sets). • Evaluate performance using appropriate statistical metrics (AUC-ROC, precision-recall, calibration, RMSE) and assess model stability across segments. • Perform in-depth quantitative analysis on large-scale datasets to detect patterns, cost drivers, and utilization trends. • Apply statistical testing and segmentation analysis to identify meaningful risk stratification opportunities. • Partner with business stakeholders to translate analytical findings into operational insights. • Convert model outputs into interpretable metrics and decision-support artifacts. Align modeling assumptions and outputs with clinical, operational, and financial workflows. • Collaborate with BI teams to operationalize model outputs into reporting environments. • Structure model outputs for downstream consumption, ensuring consistent schema design, documentation, and alignment with semantic reporting layers. • Evaluate and validate model accuracy, bias, and business impact. • Assess fairness across demographic segments, monitor drift, and quantify financial or operational impact. Document assumptions, limitations, and risk factors. • Conduct comprehensive profiling of structured data, identify missingness patterns, outliers, class imbalance, and feature correlations to inform modeling strategies. • Develop and maintain reusable modeling code and documentation. • Write modular, version-controlled Python and SQL code following engineering best practices. Maintain clear documentation to ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer. • Support model deployment, monitoring, and retraining processes. • Assist with packaging models for production, defining monitoring metrics, tracking performance over time, and triggering retraining workflows when performance degrades. • Work with data engineers to optimize data extraction and feature pipelines. • Communicate statistical concepts, model tradeoffs, and performance outcomes clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise. • Ensure compliance with data privacy and regulatory requirements. • Apply appropriate data handling practices, de-identification strategies, and governance standards in alignment with healthcare regulatory frameworks. Required Qualifications Education: A Master’s in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another quantitative field is required. Technical Skills: • Strong Python and SQL skills. • Deep understanding of statistics (distributions, variance, hypothesis testing). • Experience with machine learning algorithms (i.e. XGBoost, logistic regression, tree-based models). • Experience with hyperparameter tuning and model validation techniques. • Strong data cleansing and preprocessing capabilities. • Knowledge of algorithms and data structures (sorting, searching, graph traversal fundamentals). Preferred Qualifications • PHD in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field. • Experience with Databricks or Spark. • Experience with Databricks AI/BI Genie. • Healthcare analytics experience (claims, CMS reimbursement, population health, Medicare Advantage). • Experience building inference pipelines. • Experience designing and implementing RAG-based pipelines using Azure OpenAI. • Ability to evaluate and select vector databases based on performance and scalability needs. • Experience in prompt engineering and parameter tuning. This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide. Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide. Apex Systems is part of the Commercial Segment of ASGN Incorporated. NYSE: ASGN 4400 Cox Road Suite 200 Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. (Do not submit resumes or solicit consultants to this email address). UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Apex Systems.