Principal Data Scientist

CVS Health

23h

About The Position

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time. Position Overview We are seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics initiatives that drive innovation in healthcare, with a strong focus on mental wellbeing. This role combines deep technical expertise with domain knowledge in healthcare—particularly on claims and eligibility data, though experience on the provider side is also valuable. The ideal candidate will not only deliver impactful data solutions but also spearhead scientific research and publications that shape the future of mental health strategies. You will work at the intersection of data science, healthcare operations, and research, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies to solve complex business problems and influence organizational strategy.

Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Public Health, or related field highly preferred (Master’s degree required).
• Experience: 10+ years in data science roles, with significant experience in healthcare analytics.
• Proven expertise in payer-side data (claims, eligibility, risk adjustment); provider-side experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in publishing research or leading scientific studies.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python, R, or similar languages; experience with big data platforms and cloud environments.
• Strong knowledge of BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Looker) and data engineering concepts (ETL, relational/NoSQL databases).
• Leadership & Communication: Ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting complex findings to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Data Science Projects: Own end-to-end delivery of high-impact analytics initiatives, from data preparation and modeling to actionable insights.
• Healthcare Data Expertise: Apply deep knowledge of payer and provider data, including claims, eligibility, and utilization metrics, to inform predictive models and operational strategies.
• Research & Thought Leadership: Drive scientific studies and publish peer-reviewed papers on mental wellbeing, positioning the organization as an industry leader.
• Strategic Advisory: Partner with senior leadership to provide data-driven recommendations that improve healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Innovation in Analytics: Utilize advanced techniques such as A/B testing, clustering, predictive modeling, and pattern recognition to uncover trends and optimize performance.
• Data Governance & Compliance: Ensure ethical use of healthcare data, adhering to privacy regulations and organizational standards.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide data scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Technology Mastery: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and methodologies in data science and healthcare analytics.

Benefits

• Affordable medical plan options, a 401(k) plan (including matching company contributions), and an employee stock purchase plan.
• No-cost programs for all colleagues including wellness screenings, tobacco cessation and weight management programs, confidential counseling and financial coaching.
• Benefit solutions that address the different needs and preferences of our colleagues including paid time off, flexible work schedules, family leave, dependent care resources, colleague assistance programs, tuition assistance, retiree medical access and many other benefits depending on eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree