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Lead Data Scientist – Data Science Lab – AI Strategy

Lead Data Scientist – Data Science Lab – AI Strategy

CompanyGuardian Life
LocationBoston, MA, USA, Stamford, CT, USA, Remote in USA, Holmdel, NJ, USA, Pittsfield, MA, USA, New York, NY, USA, Bethlehem, PA, USA
Salary$148940 – $244685
TypeFull-Time
DegreesBachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Experience LevelSenior, Expert or higher

Requirements

  • PhD with 6+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 8+ years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied mathematics or related field
  • 7+ years of hands-on ML modeling/development experience
  • Extensive experience in deep learning models including Large Language Models (LLM) and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Hands-on experience with GPU, distributed computing and applying parallelism to ML solutions
  • Strong programming skills in Python including PyTorch and/or Tensorflow
  • Solid background in algorithms and a range of ML models
  • Experience leading team of Data Scientist of four or more
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work and collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and other disciplines at both the leadership and hands-on level
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with superb attention to detail
  • Proven leadership in providing technical leadership and mentoring to data scientists and strong management skills with ability to monitor/track performance for enterprise success

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Data Science Lab (DSL) by setting strategic direction, driving innovation, and ensuring alignment with Guardian Life’s business goals and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Manage and mentor a high-performing team of data scientists, fostering a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and excellence.
  • Monitor developments across the AI and data science community to position Guardian as a leader in responsible and effective AI adoption.
  • Report and communicate progress, opportunities, and risks to executive stakeholders, delivering insights and recommendations in a clear, actionable manner.
  • Stay current with advancements in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and industry trends to identify and evaluate emerging capabilities and technologies.
  • Collaborate with academic and industry partners to develop and test novel AI/ML methods and approaches.
  • Introduce and apply ML/AI innovations to practical, high-impact opportunities across Guardian’s business units.
  • Create patentable technologies and methodologies that drive long-term innovation.
  • Build and lead experimentation efforts to validate the feasibility and impact of new data science techniques in real-world insurance use cases.
  • Develop capabilities in Deep Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Generative AI.
  • Apply AI/ML to unstructured data sources such as insurance contracts, medical records, sales notes, and customer service logs.
  • Deliver solutions that enhance underwriting risk assessment, claims auto-adjudication, and customer servicing.
  • Establish scalable processes, frameworks, and governance models for efficient and responsible AI/ML development, testing, and deployment.
  • Assess and recommend cutting-edge tools, platforms, and technologies to enhance data science workflows and model lifecycle management.
  • Actively participate in proof-of-concept evaluations of new data, software, and technologies.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with business leaders, technology teams, and data professionals to translate business challenges into AI-driven solutions.
  • Contribute to the standardization of data science tools, processes, and best practices across the enterprise.
  • Function as the data science expert in internal and external meetings, including vendor engagements and industry conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Passionate about cutting-edge technology and keen on applying new AI/ML algorithms and approaches.
  • Analytically driven, intellectually curious, and experienced leading the development and implementation of data and analytic solutions to solve challenging business problems.
  • Enjoy leading and managing a team of data scientists to crack hard to solve problems with AI/ML and seeing it deployed in-market and generating value for Guardian.
  • Enjoy collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team including data engineers, business analysts, software developers and functional business experts and business leaders.
  • Demonstrated track record of managing data science teams and working with business leaders.