Sr. Data Scientist | Remote | Contract

Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML) | Remote | Contract
Walker Healthforce is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with 6+ years of experience developing machine learning and AI solutions. This is a contract opportunity supporting advanced analytics initiatives focused on predictive modeling, generative AI, and healthcare data solutions.
START DATE: ASAP
HOURS/SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday | Standard Business Hours
WORKER TYPE: Contract
LOCATION: Remote
CORE REQUIREMENTS:

• 6+ years of experience as a Data Scientist (healthcare experience preferred; other industries considered)
• Strong programming experience with Python and/or R
• Experience building, training, and deploying machine learning models
• Experience with cloud-based AI platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, Azure AI Studio , or similar
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques
• Experience designing or supporting Agentic AI workflows
• Experience fine-tuning AI/LLM models for business use cases
• Strong SQL skills and experience with relational and NoSQL databases

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience with Big Data technologies (Hadoop, Spark)
• Knowledge of ETL processes and data warehousing concepts
• Familiarity with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience mentoring junior data scientists is preferred

WE CONSIDER IT A BONUS IF YOU ALSO HAVE:

• Healthcare industry experience
• Experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision
• PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience building AI solutions that improve healthcare outcomes, quality metrics, or payment integrity initiatives

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, train, and deploy machine learning and AI models to support business objectives.
• Perform statistical analysis, data exploration, and predictive modeling on large, complex datasets.
• Develop and implement Agentic AI workflows to automate processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Utilize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques to enhance generative AI model performance.
• Fine-tune pre-trained AI models for specialized business applications.
• Clean, validate, and preprocess structured and unstructured data for model development.
• Deploy AI models into production environments and monitor model performance for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with software engineers, business analysts, and product teams to integrate AI solutions into enterprise applications.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Research emerging AI and machine learning technologies and recommend innovative solutions.
• Mentor junior data scientists and provide technical guidance on analytical projects.
• Partner with business and technology teams to develop predictive models that improve healthcare outcomes, close care gaps, enhance Star Ratings, and support payment integrity initiatives.
• Document methodologies, model performance, and analytical findings while following development best practices.