Data Scientist

Sammons Financial Group • Chicago, IL

4h

About The Position

Responsible for contributing to and scaling advanced analytics within the Life Business Unit. Applies strong, developing-to-advanced skills in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision making—along with emerging Generative AI capabilities—to design, prototype, and implement analytics solutions and decision-support tools. Works collaboratively with business and technology partners to deliver measurable outcomes, following established engineering, governance, and risk management standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or related technical discipline Required
• Minimum 5 years' statistical or data science experience Required
• Experience applying machine learning/statistics to business problems (modeling, measurement, and communicating results) Required
• Proficiency with R, Python, SAS and/or background in programming required
• Deep knowledge of machine learning statistics, optimization or related field required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to work with business leaders at all levels
• Ability to independently research, analyze and resolve problem situations using good judgment and sound decision making
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence without authority, ability to adapt to change and ability to think creatively to accomplish results
• Ability to create and deliver presentations and demonstrations to executives
• Demonstrated track record of dealing well with ambiguity, prioritizing needs and delivering results in a dynamic environment
• Strong initiative, self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Ability to handle multiple projects at one time and effectively work under deadline pressures
• Criminal background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or related technical discipline Preferred
• Experience working with large data sets, simulation/optimization, and distributed computing tools strongly preferred
• Experience with common data visualization tools such as PowerBI or Tableau strongly preferred
• Experience in insurance and financial services, specifically life insurance and annuities strongly preferred
• Experience with Hadoop, Azure, Snowflake or similar Preferred
• Experience with initiatives such as life insurance underwriting, annuity suitability, sales modeling, fraud detection or claims Preferred
• Hands-on experience building proofs of concept or production quality features using LLMs (via approved APIs/platforms) Preferred

Responsibilities

• Apply statistics, machine learning, programming, and data modeling to identify patterns, generate hypotheses, and develop prototypes that improve business outcomes.
• Produce innovative solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets.
• Design, develop, and evaluate predictive models and algorithms to extract value from structured enterprise data.
• Identify, frame, and prototype Generative AI use cases that improve business outcomes (e.g., summarization, extraction, classification, enterprise Q&A, decision-support assistants) using approved enterprise tools and data sources.
• Create and present materials that translate complex data analysis into easy-to understand stories with persuasive recommendations for all levels of management.
• Support experimentation and measurement: analyze and interpret results from tests/experiments; communicate findings and recommendations to product, service, and business stakeholders.
• Use a flexible, analytical approach to design, develop and evaluate predictive models and advanced algorithms that lead to optimal value extraction from the data.
• Collaborate with both business and IT subject matter experts (SMEs) to implement and support solutions.
• Provide thought leadership by researching best practices, conducting experiments, and demonstrating/articulating value proposition for the use of advanced analytics.
• Write production-quality code and documentation that is clear, testable, and maintainable.
• Participate in transformation, analytics, and customer journey initiatives as needed as part of the Life Operating Model.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

Benefits

• Sammons Financial Group offers a competitive benefit package that includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Retirement, PTO and Holiday Pay.
• Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a 100% company-funded retirement plan, so you can save for retirement without contributing a penny of your own paycheck.
• Healthy balance between work and personal lives. Friday afternoons off all year long, competitive PTO, and generous number of paid holidays.
• Our incentive program for defined goals subject to eligibility and performance. Monetary rewards are based on individual and/or overall company performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level