Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist 

Location: Remote (with periodic on-site at VA facilities) | Full-Time | Clearance: VA Eligible 

Position Overview 

Commonwealth Strategic Solutions is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to serve as the technical lead for advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and machine learning initiatives supporting clinical decision-making and operational optimization within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This role supports VA’s Office of Clinical Informatics (OCI) and requires hands-on experience applying data science in federal health IT environments, with particular emphasis on interoperability, clinical informatics systems, and EHR data. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, develop, and validate algorithms and predictive models for interoperability workflows, clinical informatics systems, and Agile integration reporting 

• Apply machine learning and advanced analytics techniques to support clinical decision support, operational optimization, and research outcomes 

• Ensure compliance with VA data governance, security, and privacy standards 

• Integrate and validate data across clinical informatics systems, including EHR platforms 

• Develop data visualization products and analytical deliverables for program leadership and clinical stakeholders 

• Support Agile delivery cadences including PI Planning, backlog analytics, and predictive capacity planning 

• Collaborate with clinical, technical, and program management teams to translate analytical findings into actionable operational improvements 

Work Location 

Remote with periodic on-site support at VA facilities as required. Candidates in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are preferred. 

Equal Opportunity 

Commonwealth Strategic Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage veterans, service-disabled veterans, and individuals from all backgrounds to apply. 

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Health Informatics, Statistics, or a related quantitative discipline 

• 10 years in data science or advanced analytics roles 

• 5 years applying machine learning and predictive modeling in healthcare or federal health IT environments 

• Proficiency in Python or R and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) 

• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) and ETL processes 

• Experience with interoperability standards (HL7, FHIR) and clinical terminology (SNOMED, LOINC) 

Strongly Preferred Qualifications 

• Ph.D. in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Health Informatics 

• Direct experience with VA VistA/CPRS and/or Oracle Health (Cerner Millennium) systems 

• Experience supporting VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program or related clinical informatics initiatives within VHA 

• Prior work within VHA, OHT (Office of Health Technology), OIT (Office of Information and Technology), or VA’s Office of Clinical Informatics (OCI) 

• Experience validating data migration fidelity between legacy and modernized EHR platforms 

• Familiarity with SAFe Agile delivery in a federal healthcare context 

Certifications (Preferred) 

• Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) 

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or SAFe Practitioner 

• Healthcare Data Science or AI certifications 

Clearance & Citizenship 

• Must be a U.S. citizen 

• Must be eligible for VA clearance/background investigation 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a government-issued Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badge 

Salary : $120,000 - $165,000