Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

Summary This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority.

See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below.

Serves as subject matter expert in the specialized area of data sciences and advisor on matters related to the application of mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, data and computer sciences and geospatial analysis.

See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information about this position. Duties Develops algorithms and/or tools to support data manipulation and processing. Develops, integrates, and maintains data and extract, transform, and load (ETL) procedures that are logically sound. | Maintainable, sustainable, auditable, flexible, repeatable, and scalable on a variety of structured and unstructured data. Maps data and validates and implements ETL procedures. | Analyzes complex data elements and systems, data flow, dependencies, and relationships in order to contribute to conceptual physical and logical data models. | Develops data set processes and uses programming language and tools to identify ways to improve data reliability, efficiency and quality for missions, goals, and future planning. | Ensures on-going consultation and instruction to functional area users on information systems, databases, and file accessing techniques, search strategies. | Processing and file assessing techniques, processing and space utilization efficiencies, database security procedures, backup and program recovery techniques, and testing techniques. | As needed, provides assistance to programmers/analysts in development, testing, and implementation of new or modified systems or programs. | Works with teams to develop data products and definitions. | Use appropriate analytic and statistical software to programmatically prepare data for analysis and clean imperfect data.

Qualifications

To meet Minimum Qualifications for this Data Scientist position you must demonstrate:

(1) the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal 1560 series AND

(2) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience

(1) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR) (All Applicants)

A. Successful completion of a course of study in an accredited college or university resulting in a degree in one of the following: mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

OR

B. A combination of education and experience that includes successful completion of courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or a field directly related to the position, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

Individual Occupational Requirements must be demonstrated even if you currently hold, or have previously held, a position in this series in the federal government.

Transcripts are required to substantiate claimed education

SEE EDUCATION BELOW -- Applicants who don't demonstrate these requirements will not be considered.

(2) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-13 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-13 or above.

Specialized Experience is work that primarily consists of:

(1) Leading the development and improvement of enterprise data pipelines using SQL and Python; AND

(2) Providing guidance on data architecture, data security, and complex data issues; AND

(3) Managing the evaluation, integration, and automation of new data sources.

If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it.

Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.

Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (IOR and Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Information on this job series can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/data-science-series-1560/

Education This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met and demonstrated by all applicants (see QUALIFICATIONS), even if you already hold a position in the federal 1530 series.

Submit a copy of your full transcript showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and your degree AND/OR completion of *creditable course). If you attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended.

Transcripts that do not show that a Degree was conferred cannot be considered to have resulted in a Degree. Check your transcript to be sure this information is shown.

Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum you are advised to highlight qualifying courses on your transcript to ensure that consideration is given.

APPLICATIONS WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.

DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for your degree or completed courses. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. You must upload your transcripts as part of your application. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.

Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.

How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated on the experience you describe in your resume as well as the education supported by the transcripts you submit.

Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe your experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe specific duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.

If your resume doesn't clearly describe the duties you perform that demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you will lose consideration for this position.

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed, even if you hold (or held) a position in this series.

The experience you claim is subject to verification by the selecting official.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPT MUST DEMONSTRATE.

Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103033

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

Applicants who demonstrate the IOR and Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following *Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review

Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.

PRIORITY SELECTION:

Well-Qualified ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below).

Veterans' Preference is not considered under Direct Hire.

See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims. How to apply BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION, BE SURE YOUR RESUME DEMONSTRATES THE REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.

(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account

(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct

(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents

(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process

(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND

(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).

READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) November 13, 2026 and must include:

(1) responses to online questionnaire

(2) uploaded resume*

(3) uploaded transcript(s)

(4) uploaded SF-50(s), if applicable

(5) ICTAP documents, if applicable

*To meet qualification requirements, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections..

The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.

We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.

Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories

Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.

If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email HR.STAFFING2.TEAM7.MAILBOX@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "APPLICATION ISSUE 1310 3033 TS" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.

Other information STEM position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this Direct Hire Authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current federal employees will be given a new appointment to the civil service, if selected. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .

If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.

See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for position.

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS).

This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) may be authorized.

Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment.

Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.

Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).

This is a moderate-risk public trust position. You may be required to complete SF-85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions to have the appropriate investigation conducted.

Position is assigned to:

Risk and Quality

Program Integrity, Risk and Fraud Prevention (PIRFP)