NLP Data Scientist

Job Title: Data Scientist - NLP & AI

Location: Hybrid – Chicago

Reports to: VP-Chief Data & Innovation Officer

Job Summary

We are looking for a Data Scientist focused on all aspects of Natural Language Processing (NLP), including machine learning and generative AI to join the Data Insights & Analytics (DIA) team in Chicago. The ideal candidate will be an experienced NLP professional with expertise in structuring textual data (Approx. 85%) and developing machine learning models (Approx. 15%). This role involves leveraging NLP and Generative AI to drive business insights and impact key decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

• NLP & AI Implementation: Identify opportunities to leverage NLP for business impact; develop and fine-tune models for text classification, sentiment analysis, entity recognition, generative AI and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
• Third-Party AI Solution Evaluation: Assess external NLP and other AI products to determine their suitability for business needs and contribute to build-versus-buy decisions.
• Project Management & Execution: Scope and manage NLP-related projects, working closely with vendors, project managers, and internal teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Results Communication & Data Storytelling: Present analytical findings in a clear and compelling manner, making complex insights accessible to non-technical audiences.
• Continuous Learning & Innovation: Stay updated on emerging trends in NLP, machine learning and Generative AI, proactively proposing innovative AI-driven solutions.
• Special Projects & Additional Duties: Participate in strategic initiatives and ad-hoc projects as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

• Education: Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Computational Linguistics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years in data science, including at least 1 year focused on NLP, LLMs, and Generative AI.
• Skills:
• Proficiency in Python.
• Strong experience with NLP libraries (e.g., spaCy, Snorkel, NLTK) and AI model fine-tuning.
• Hands-on experience with Large Language Models, Machine Learning, Prompt Engineering, and Deep Learning techniques.
• Familiarity with Databricks, version control tools (e.g., GitHub), and ML tracking frameworks (e.g., MLflow, SageMaker).
• SQL proficiency is a plus.
• Industry & Business Acumen: Prior experience in the legal or insurance industries is an advantage.
• Project & Communication Skills: Strong project management capabilities and excellent communication skills to engage with stakeholders effectively.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the legal or insurance fields.
• Familiarity with cloud-based AI/ML platforms.
• Experience with open-source LLM frameworks and fine-tuning approaches.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible remote work arrangements, generous PTO
• Professional Development: Ongoing training opportunities, conference attendance support
• Additional Perks: Regular team collaboration events, opportunities to work with cutting-edge AI technologies