Senior Data Scientist (Level I)

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.  

This role will provide advanced analytics expertise within the Business Analytics function that applies the power of data with machine learning to improve business outcomes across the Health and Risk Solutions business. This team is expected to work closely with the other teams across the organization, including functional teams and the analytic agile squads supporting AI use cases within various business domains. This position reports to the Director of Advanced Analytics Transformation within the Health and Risk Solutions business. Responsibilities include development and monitoring of predictive model and AI solutions to support our pricing, underwriting, claim forecasting, and clinical review processes. Additional responsibilities may include applying machine learning techniques to streamline and automate aspects of these processes, mentoring junior team members, and promoting a culture of data-driven risk-based decisions.

How will you contribute?

• Independently apply data science techniques to solve business problems across various analytical areas, including exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, predictive modeling, and visualization
• Develop, validate, and maintain high-quality, robust predictive models and AI solutions that meet business and technical requirements  
• Utilize multiple sources of data, including structured and unstructured data, along with a variety of machine learning techniques to improve model performance and interpretability
• Write clean, modular, and well-documented code that can be deployed and maintained in production, while providing technical guidance and code reviews for junior team members.
• Interpret data and model outputs to generate clear actionable insights and recommendations that influence business decisions.

What will be needed to succeed?

• Strong knowledge of statistical and machine learning framework, with a deep conceptual understanding of time series mythologies and forecasting techniques
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, modeling, and automation

Strong problem-solving skills and effective communication, with an ability to explain complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience

• Ability to turn proof-of-concept model into production-ready code and reproducible workflows
• Commitment to data compliance, model governance and security protocols
• Strong business acumen to understand why and how the work we do will impact our business stakeholders
• BS/MS in a statistical, mathematical, or technical field (e.g., computer science, actuarial science)
• 3+ years of experience in developing and implementing data science techniques

What will be nice to have?

• Experience with actuarial/pricing, underwriting or related concepts utilized in the health insurance field Demonstrated academic or industry experience with generative AI including prompt engineering, RAG workflows and integrating LLMs into business process
• Familiarity with MLOps practices, including model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management

About us:

Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of employee benefits in the U.S., helping Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. See how at https://www.youtube.com/user/SunLifeFinancialUS

The company has a stated strategic focus on leveraging data and insights to enhance our Clients’ experience and drive business growth.

Join our talented, diverse workforce and cultivate a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more.

Salary Range: $97,400 - $146,100

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive.  We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate.  We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.  Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.  Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.  We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer.  Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row.  Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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31/07/2026