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 Lead Research Scientist - Stars Decision 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 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 $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. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Humana Inc