Principal Quantitative Researcher - Federal Health Programs

Commence; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Commence is seeking a Principal Quantitative Researcher to lead CMS/CMMI APM monitoring, translating model designs into actionable specifications and dashboards. You will collaborate with data science and engineering to extract insights that inform federal health programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, client engagement, and clear communication with federal stakeholders, plus mentoring junior staff and delivering timely, high-quality reports.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 9+ years or Master’s with 13+ years of related experience.
• Hands-on experience monitoring CMS/CMMI APMs.
• Experience with Medicare/Medicaid administrative and claims data (e.g., CCW, IDR, VRDC).
• Clear and concise writing for federal audiences; proposal-writing experience.
• Principal level: experience leading major tasks or projects and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

• Translate model design documents and participation agreements into monitoring specifications using Medicare claims, enrollment, and participant-reported data.
• Design monitoring frameworks for CMMI models: logic models, measures, data sources, benchmarks, analytic methods, and reporting.
• Detect and investigate unintended consequences such as risk selection, coding intensity, care stinting, and shifts in referral or site-of-care patterns.
• Partner with data scientists and engineers to build dashboards, automated reporting, and ML-based anomaly detection on the Commence platform.
• Lead the write-up of monitoring reports, briefings, and risk summaries for CMMI model teams; turn findings into actionable recommendations.
• Lead the design and write up of technical approaches for CMS/CMMI proposals and serve in key project roles.
• Lead the identification and implementation of monitoring methods to our quality measurement and payment incentive work; mentor junior researchers and analysts.
• Effectively manage teams, set priorities, coordinate tasks, engage clients and stakeholders, and ensure high-quality reports and products are delivered on time and within budget.

Skills

APM monitoring

Data analysis

Project leadership

Client engagement

Storytelling

Team mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in economics/health policy/related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Databricks

Power BI

Tableau

SAS

R

Python

SQL

Job description

Description

At Commence, we’re the start of a new age of data-centric transformation, elevating health outcomes and powering better, more efficient process to program and patient health. We combine quality data-driven solutions that fuel answers, technology that advances performance, and clinical expertise that builds trust to create a more efficient path to quality care.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

At Commence, we’re the start of a new age of data-centric transformation, elevating health outcomes and powering better, more efficient process to program and patient health. We combine quality data-driven solutions that fuel answers, technology that advances performance, and clinical expertise that builds trust to create a more efficient path to quality care. With human-centered, healthcare-relevant, and value-based solutions, we create new possibilities with data. We provide proof beyond the concept and performance beyond the scope with a focus on efficiencies that transform the lives of those we serve. With a culture driven by purpose, straightforward communication and clinical domain expertise, Commence cuts straight to better care.

Requirements

The Principal Quantitative Researcher, Alternative Payment Model Monitoring plays a pivotal role in generating actionable insights that inform CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) decision-making and support Commence's growth in federal health research. This position leads the design and execution of monitoring for CMS/CMMI alternative payment models (APMs), from monitoring frameworks, performance metrics, and data collection plans to real-time monitoring of participant performance and compliance, dashboards, and risk reports that support federal program oversight. Working closely with Commence's data science and technology teams, the researcher helps bring advanced analytics to monitoring by leveraging the capabilities of the Commence platform, driving greater efficiency and deeper insights. The ideal candidate combines hands‑on APM monitoring experience for CMS/CMMI with strong analytical, managerial, client‑engagement and storytelling skills, a strategic mindset, and a passion for driving measurable improvements in health care quality and value.

• Lead the translation of model design documents and participation agreements into monitoring specifications using Medicare claims, enrollment, and participant-reported data.
• Design monitoring frameworks for CMMI models: logic models, measures, data sources, benchmarks, analytic methods, and reporting.
• Detect and investigate unintended consequences such as risk selection, coding intensity, care stinting, and shifts in referral or site-of-care patterns.
• Partner with data scientists and engineers to build dashboards, automated reporting, and ML-based anomaly detection and early-warning signals on the Commence platform.
• Lead the write-up of monitoring reports, briefings, and risk summaries for CMMI model teams, turning findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Lead the design and write up of technical approaches for CMS/CMMI and other federal agency proposals and serve in key project roles.
• Lead the identification and implementation of monitoring methods to our quality measurement and payment incentive work for CMS and state partners; mentor junior researchers and analysts.
• Effectively manage teams, set priorities, coordinate tasks, engage clients and stakeholders, and ensure high-quality reports and products are delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in economics, health services research, health policy, public health, or a related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree with 13+ years.
• Hands‑on experience monitoring CMS/CMMI alternative payment models.
• Working knowledge of APM and value-based care mechanics: beneficiary attribution, quality scoring, capitated payments, bundled payments, financial incentives, benchmarking, risk adjustment.
• Experience with Medicare and/or Medicaid administrative and claims data (e.g., CCW, IDR, VRDC).
• Clear and concise writing for federal audiences; proposal‑writing experience.
• Principal level: experience leading major tasks or projects and managing and mentoring staff.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to obtain and maintain a CMS-required background investigation (public trust).

Preferred Skills And Competencies

• Experience with Databricks or other cloud analytics platforms and with Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Proficiency in SAS, R, Python, or SQL.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

This is a remote position. Occasional travel to the Baltimore/Washington, DC area for client. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a climate-controlled environment. Candidates must be able to sit, read, work on a computer, and watch a computer screen for extended periods of time. Occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, kneel or crouch. Extended hours may be needed around proposal deadlines and key deliverables.

• Commence' headquarters are in Virginia Beach, VA, however we are open to remote candidates in the following states: AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NC, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, WI, WA and WV*.

Commence is an equal employment opportunity employer. All personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military and veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Commence is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Please note that unless you are requesting an accommodation, all applications must be submitted through our online application system.

Salary Description

$160,000-$200,000