[Remote] Lead Data Scientist - Autonomous Goal Management

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Humana is a leading U.S. healthcare company focused on delivering AI innovation across its business segments. The role involves designing and developing advanced AI agents that autonomously manage complex goals, ensuring they operate effectively in dynamic environments.ResponsibilitiesArchitect 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 objectivesPrototype 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 mechanismsSkillsMaster'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 systemsProficiency in SQL, Python, and data analysis/data mining toolsExperience 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 ETLPh.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 rationalityBenefitsWork-Life BalanceGenerous PTO packageHealth benefits effective day 1Annual Incentive Plan401K - Excellent company matchWell-being programPaid Volunteer Time OffAssociates 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.Medical, dental and vision benefits401(k) retirement savings planTime off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave)Short-term and long-term disabilityLife insuranceCompany OverviewHumana is a health insurance provider for individuals, families, and businesses. It was founded in 1964, and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.humana.com.Company H1B SponsorshipHumana has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 91 in 2026, 282 in 2025, 246 in 2024, 284 in 2023, 274 in 2022, 212 in 2021, 84 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.