Lead Data Scientist - Autonomous Goal Management

Become a part of our caring community The Enterprise AI organization at Humana is a pioneering force, driving AI innovation across our Insurance and CenterWell business segments. By collaborating with world-leading experts, we are at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge AI technologies for improving care quality and experience of millions of consumers. We are actively seeking top talent to develop robust and reusable AI modules and pipelines, ensuring adherence to best practices in accountable AI for effective risk management and measurement. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare through AI excellence.We are building advanced agentic systems capable of autonomously managing and decomposing complex goals. We are seeking an expert in agent design, planning, and control to develop and evaluate agents that can set, adapt, and execute goals in dynamic, real-world environments. You’ll contribute to the scientific and engineering foundations that make AI agents reliable, interpretable, and robust across long-horizon tasks.Key Responsibilities Architect goal setting and goal decomposition mechanisms for autonomous agents operating in uncertain or open-ended environmentsDesign and implement dynamic planning systems (e.g., hierarchical planning, curriculum learning, scratchpad/self-refinement loops)Collaborate on memory, tool-use, and feedback-loop designs enabling multi-step, self-directed agent behaviorDevelop evaluation frameworks for alignment with human intent, consistency, progress against long-horizon objectives Prototype agents that interface with APIs, MCP servers, search engines, databases, or real-world actuators to pursue goals safely and efficiencyExplore mechanisms to detect and mitigate goal misalignment, looping behavior, or undesirable emergent strategiesWork across teams to integrate goal alignment with safety, alignment, and operational reliability mechanismsTechnical skillsProficiency in SQL, Python, and data analysis/data mining tools.Experience with machine learning frameworks like Pytorch, Jax, LangChain, LangGraph or AutoGenExperience with high performance, large-scale ML systemsExperience with language modeling with transformersExperience with symbolic planning, causal reasoning, and model-based RLExperience with large-scale ETLUse your skills to make an impact  Required QualificationsMaster's Degree and 4+ years of experience in research/ML engineering or an applied research scientist position preferably with a focus on developing production-ready AI solutions2+ years of experience leading development of AI/ML systemsPreferred QualificationsPh.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience shipping autonomous, or semi-autonomous agents in production or simulationExperience with LLM-based agents with scratchpad/self-reflection or hierarchical task decompositionUnderstanding of autonomy risk mitigation strategies, including off-switch protocols, or bounded rationalityAdditional InformationLocation/Work Style: Remote USWhy Humana? At Humana, we know your well-being is important to you, and it’s important to us too.  That’s why we’re committed to making resources available to you that will enable you to become happier, healthier, and more productive in all areas of your life. Just to name a few:Work-Life BalanceGenerous PTO packageHealth benefits effective day 1Annual Incentive Plan401K - Excellent company match Well-being program Paid Volunteer Time OffIf you share our passion for helping people, we likely have the right place for you at Humana.Work at Home GuidanceTo ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office associates’ ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office associates must meet the following criteria:At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is recommended; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggestedSatellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadershipAssociates who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense.Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office associates with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job.Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information SSN Alert StatementHumana values personal identity protection. Please be aware that applicants may be asked to provide their Social Security Number, if it is not already on file. When required, an email will be sent from Humana@myworkday.com with instructions on how to add the information into your official application on Humana’s secure website. Travel: While this is a remote position, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required.Scheduled Weekly Hours40Pay RangeThe compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc. $142,300 - $195,700 per year This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.Description of BenefitsHumana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), shor