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