Lead Research Scientist - Stars Decision Science

Position Overview

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 supports decision‑making under uncertainty, facilitates group decision‑making, and injects decision science concepts into the analytical workflow across the department.

Responsibilities

• 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 the 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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Economics, Finance, Operations Research, or another related quantitative or analytical field
• 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.

Work Visa

This role is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Compensation

Starting base pay range: $138,900 - $191,000 per year, depending on geographic location and individual qualifications. Eligible for a bonus incentive plan based on company and/or individual performance.

Benefits

The company offers medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave, short‑term and long‑term disability, and life insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. The company takes affirmative action in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA to employ and advance individuals with disability or protected veteran status.