Lead Data Scientist (Hybrid)

*At Securian Financial the internal position title is Data Science Sr Con or Data Science Consultant. The title and salary will be determined based on experience and applied skills.*

Lead Data Scientist

As a Lead Data Scientist at Securian Financial, you are a recognized expert within the organization. You will apply specialized knowledge to solve complex problems for the enterprise while leading others and collaborating across teams. You seek to understand first, build solutions that drive strategic growth and value, and thrive in a teamwork-oriented environment.

Our company values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. As a Lead Data Scientist, you will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects, collaborate with talented colleagues, and make a significant impact on our business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and work with engineering teams to implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms to solve business problems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize data-driven projects.

• Communicate complex data findings to stakeholders through clear and concise reports and presentations.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science and machine learning technologies.

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of data and models through rigorous testing and validation.

• Drive the adoption of best practices in data science and analytics across the organization.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation using data-driven approaches.

• Lead and mentor more junior data scientists, providing guidance and support in their professional development while working on projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's or PhD degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in data science or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years in a project leadership role.

• Experience building and deploying production solutions

• 2+ years of experience in Insurance, actuarial, or a related field

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python

• Strong expertise in machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).

• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).

• Solid understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization, data wrangling techniques, NLP approaches, ML model selection.

• Solid understanding of model approaches to satisfy regulatory requirements regarding explainability/interpretability of advanced AI/ML models

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and analytically.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

• A passion for continuous learning and staying current with industry trends and developments.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with natural language processing (NLP), LLMs, prompt engineering, and advanced ML models.

• Knowledge of data governance and data privacy regulations.

• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).

• Background in finance, healthcare, or other specialized industries.