Lead Research Scientist - Stars Decision Science

Become a part of our caring community Come join the Performance and Decision Intelligence team within the larger Stars Analytics organization at Humana! The Associate Director, Research Science is responsible for developing and applying advanced analytics, optimization frameworks, and decision science methodologies that translate complex business problems into actionable recommendations. This role will also work with a team of scientists and engineers, building organizational capabilities that strengthen Star Rating performance across the enterprise. The Lead Research Scientist - Stars Decision Science is equipped with a variety of skills enabling them to support decision-making under the condition of uncertainty and facilitate decision-making by groups. This role will inject decision science concepts into the analytical workflow across the department, enabling richer insights and clear visibility to trade-offs. This role employs risk and decision analysis techniques, such as decision trees and Bayesian modeling, to quantify benefits and risks of various decisions impacting our Medicare Advantage members, their health and our quality performance scores. Routine responsibilities include: Create frameworks that support evidence-based decision making across quality and operational teams Build decision science capabilities to prioritize opportunities based on expected impact, feasibility and financial value Design simulation frameworks to evaluate potential outcomes under alternative business strategies Advance existing capabilities across to team to make insight generation and decision-making simpler for our team and business partners Deliver executive-ready recommendations that connect analytics to business action Use your skills to make an impact Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Economics, Finance, Operations Research, or another related quantitative or analytical field (including but not limited to similar disciplines) 4 or more years in healthcare analytics, decision science, actuarial science, strategy analytics or related fields 2 or more years of project leadership experience Experience developing and applying predictive modeling, optimization modeling, decision science frameworks or causal inference methodologies Strong proficiency with SQL and analytical programming languages such as Python, R, or SAS Strong proficiency with Databricks Demonstrated ability to articulate ideas effectively in both written and oral forms Ability to communicate complex analytical findings to executive audiences Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality results with minimal supervision Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Economics, Finance, Operations Research or related field Strong knowledge of CMS Medicare Advantage Star Rating program, including methodology and individual measures Location: Remote, strong preference for hybrid office in Louisville, KY Additional Information This role is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees' ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria: At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is recommended; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested Satellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadership Employees who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense. Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job. Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information As part of our hiring process for this opportunity, we will be using an interviewing technology called HireVue to enhance our hiring and decision-making ability. HireVue allows us to quickly connect and gain valuable information from you pertaining to your relevant skills and experience at a time that is best for your schedule. Humana values personal identity protection. Please be aware that applicants may be asked to provide their Social Security Number, if it is not already on file. When required, an email will be sent from View email address on click.appcast.io with instructions on how to add the information into your official application on Humana's secure website. Travel: While this is a remote position, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Pay Range The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc. $138,900 - $191,000 per year This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance. Description of Benefits Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, "Humana") offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities. Application Deadline: 06-28-2026 About us About Humana: Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health - delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at?Humana.com?and at?CenterWell.com. ? Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment. Humana complies with all applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. We also provide free language interpreter services. See our Humana