Senior Data Scientist (Public Health Epidemiologist)

Senior Data Scientist

To better support our members wellbeing and community health, CareFirst is establishing a public health function within the Health Services division. The goal of this function is to provide leadership and support for the CareFirst enterprise and our surrounding communities (Maryland, District of Columbia and Northern Virginia) in improving population health outcomes, with a focus on achieving health equity. The Sr. Data Scientist will be part of the public health team working to develop and drive corporate priorities in alignment with the BlueCross BlueShield Association National Heath Equity Strategy; regularly engaging with state and local health departments in our service areas to support local public health system activities; and developing and disseminating a knowledge base, i.e. actionable data analyses and evidence-based or -informed strategies, that supports the larger public health system in effectively driving health equity.

Under the direction of senior leadership, the Senior Data Scientist will lead the development and implementation of the data research agenda for the public health function. Identifies and solves business problems by using various numerical techniques, algorithms, and models in statistical modeling, machine learning, operations research, and data mining. Uses advanced analytical capabilities and strong data management skills to support data science initiatives within the public health discipline Effectively communicates both orally and written data insights to internal and external stakeholders of various professional background and educates on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistical models to drive business decisions. Acting as a liaison and interface between analytics, business units and other departments.

Essential Functions

• Leads data mining and extraction activities with multiple large data sets and applies algorithms to derive population health insights.
• Uses data to understand the data profile and its limitations and applies it to business solutions. Interprets data to identify trends in and factors contributing to population health outcomes, with specific attention to identifying disparate outcomes within subpopulations.
• Collaborates with diverse internal stakeholders to innovate organizational performance.
• Explores data patterns using existing data science tools.
• Translates business priorities to data science deliverables, ensuring actionable data analyses and evidence-based or -informed strategies, that supports the larger public health system in effectively driving health equity.
• Implements new data products and builds robust and scalable software.
• Leads/Guides DS on implementing best practices for projects and applies artificial intelligence techniques to achieve concrete business goals while managing limited resources and constraints around data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Public Health with Epidemiology or Biostatistics emphasis.
• Expert knowledge of statistical analytic software (SAS, SPSS, STATA) and statistical data visualization (e.g., Tableau).
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (ex. ArcGIS).
• Experience writing and presenting comprehensive statistical and analytical reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills required for teamwork and experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders will be necessary for the Senior Data Scientist to work effectively in a matrixed environment.