Data Scientist II - Gen AI/Python/AWS/SQL

Unum•Portland, ME

5d•$80,630 - $165,500•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Data Scientist II to join our innovation hub, a small, agile team focused on delivering solutions for high-impact business initiatives. In this role, you will support the development of proof-of-concept applications, build and deploy machine learning and generative AI solutions, and partner with stakeholders across the enterprise to turn complex business problems into actionable insights. You will have the opportunity to expand your technical expertise while helping drive innovation and business value through data science and AI.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field required.
4+ years of professional experience or equivalent relevant work.
Python required; experience with automation, DevOps practices, APIs, file I/O, and database integrations.
Experience engineering solutions in cloud environments (AWS preferred; Azure/Google comparable).
Exposure to object‑oriented development and scalable architecture.
Expertise across multiple visualization tools and techniques.
Ability to tailor visuals to business use cases and audiences.
Deep knowledge of statistical inference, regression, feature selection, feature extraction, and ML algorithms.
Strong SQL skills; ability to design, debug, and optimize complex queries.
Ability to navigate and explore large databases independently.
Experience combining internal and external data sources.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders.
Project management experience and strong business acumen (financial services experience a plus).
Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives in a fast‑moving environment.
Comfortable facilitating engagements and representing analytics with executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master’s is preferred
Deep expertise in at least two of the following skillsets preferred; and competency in the other:
Familiarity with generative AI approaches is a plus.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and execute analytical solutions using optimization, simulation, machine learning, generative AI, and statistical modeling.
Construct predictive models to explain events, forecast behaviors, identify risk, or perform segmentation and clustering.
Apply domain expertise to ensure models are practical, interpretable, and aligned with business needs.
Evaluate alternative approaches and select appropriate modeling techniques for each use case.
Integrate and transform large volumes of data from diverse sources (e.g., DB2, SQL Server, Teradata, APIs) to support analytics and experimentation.
Build modeling‑ready datasets using validation, reconciliation, feature engineering, and aggregation techniques.
Write complex SQL queries involving multi‑table joins, data exploration, and troubleshooting with minimal guidance.
Develop logical data models combining internal and external datasets; lead conversations with external data providers when needed.
Build automated analytics pipelines leveraging scripting, APIs, DevOps practices, and cloud platforms.
Partner with engineering and IT teams to scale solutions, automate workflows, and integrate models into business processes.
Actively participate in operationalizing AI/ML solutions within production environments.
Develop and deliver clear, compelling visualizations (static or dynamic) tailored to various audiences.
Interpret analytical results and communicate actionable insights that influence senior leaders and key business partners.
Translate complex technical work into business‑friendly recommendations.
Coach, mentor, and develop associate or junior data scientists; provide technical guidance and feedback.
Work in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment with product owners, engineers, data architects, and business partners.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing independently and guiding less experienced team members.
Stay current on emerging statistical methods, machine learning advancements, and generative AI tools.
Conduct independent R&D to prototype new approaches and explore innovative solutions for high‑visibility business problems.
Demonstrate entrepreneurial, self‑starter mindset with a strong curiosity and continuous‑learning orientation.

Benefits

Award-winning culture
Inclusion and diversity as a priority
Performance Based Incentive Plans
Competitive benefits package that includes: Health, Vision, Dental, Short & Long-Term Disability
Generous PTO (including paid time to volunteer!)
Up to 9.5% 401(k) employer contribution
Mental health support
Career advancement opportunities
Student loan repayment options
Tuition reimbursement
Flexible work environments
healthcare benefits (health, vision, dental)
insurance benefits (short & long-term disability)
performance-based incentive plans
paid time off
a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 5% and an additional 4.5% contribution whether you contribute to the plan or not.