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 National Center for Collaborative Healthcare Innovation and requires hand-on experience applying data science in federal health environments, with particular emphasis on interoperability, developing programmatic dashboards, and using VA systems.
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
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
