Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data ScientistTechnology and Computer-relatedHelena, MT • Full-Time/RegularMontana State Fund (MSF) is seeking a Senior Data Scientist who will lead the design and implementation of complex technical solutions that support MSF's business applications, data systems, and advanced analytics. In this role, you will provide high-level technical leadership, evaluate and modernize existing systems, and integrate emerging technologies, including AI-driven analytics and predictive modeling, into enterprise platforms. You will collaborate with engineers, analysts, and business partners to deliver secure, scalable solutions that strengthen MSF's technical capabilities and support mission-critical decision making.Key responsibilities include:Enterprise Technical Leadership: Provide high-level technical leadership for advanced insurance, data, and analytics solutions; lead design and development across complex enterprise projects and platforms. Integrate emerging technologies, including AI-driven analytics, predictive modeling frameworks, and natural-language-based solutions, into MSF applications and enterprise systems.Architecture, Engineering, and Solution Design: Analyze, design, and develop system artifacts consistent with best practices, enterprise standards, and architectural specifications. Evaluate existing systems built on MSF technologies, identifying opportunities for modernization, automation, and AI-enhanced performance improvements. Lead the development of models and analytical solutions using scientific, mathematical, and machine-learning techniques to predict outcomes, assess risk, and support strategic decision-making.Project & Program Leadership: Lead matrixed project teams composed of business SMEs, engineers, analysts, and offshore/onshore development partners. Oversee end-to-end project lifecycle activities including planning, requirements analysis, sprint management, execution, risk mitigation, and status reporting. Incorporate agile methodologies and project management best practices to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, secure, and scalable solutions.Data Engineering & Advanced Analytics: Design and implement predictive models, statistical frameworks, automated decision engines, and data pipelines to generate actionable insights for enterprise stakeholders. Build, refine, and operationalize NLP-based tools for text classification, claims interpretation, and enhanced customer-service automation.Mentorship, Collaboration & Communication: Provide technical expertise and mentoring to IT and business professionals, supporting continuous improvement and innovation across MSF. Communicate technology opportunities, risks, and project status to stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.About Montana State Fund:Montana State Fund is more than just an insurance company. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to making a positive impact. Our mission is to partner with employers and their employees to care for those injured on the job and champion a culture of workplace safety for our fellow Montanans. Six values guide us in our day-to-day work:Do what's rightDeliver with heartFocus on what mattersSucceed togetherFind a better wayTake the long viewJob location: This position requires occasional presence in the Helena, MT office.Working conditions: Fast paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications and fine finger manipulation for working with computer keyboards. Regular travel is not expected but may occur occasionally around organizational specific events or during the course of employment.Compensation and Benefits: Starting salary for this exempt position begins at $127,800 - $159,700 per year.Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including:Comprehensive health insurance with dental, vision, life, long-term disability and more, with optional dependent coverage.Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses.Public employees' retirement plan tax-deferred contributions with a generous employer match.Optional 457(b) deferred compensation to further increase retirement savings.Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs.Robust personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.