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Summary
NIST is seeking a Data Scientist to advance RF systems testing and spectrum science by applying machine learning, signal processing, and statistical analysis to transform complex measurement data into actionable insights that strengthen communications technologies and scientific research. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
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Duties
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In this role, you will:
- Take ownership of data processing and analysis for research projects in radio frequency (RF) systems testing and spectrum science.
- Design and implement statistical methods, machine learning models, and signal processing algorithms.
- Conduct exploratory data analysis and create data visualizations to translate complex measurement data into clear, understandable narratives.
- Build automated workflows to clean, integrate, and manage data.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary NIST research engineers and scientists, ensuring data integrity and statistical rigor across high-impact research initiatives.
- Contribute to technical reports, present briefings to sponsors, and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific conferences and journals.
- Travel to represent CTL at training, professional conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications
BASIC Requirements:
A. Degree: 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. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify:
A. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level (ZP-II at NIST).
Specialized experience is defined as experience applying statistical methods to analyze scientific or engineering data, developing data visualizations, and processing or analyzing research or experimental data.
OR
B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree
OR
C. Combination of education and experience
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Education
This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.
Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.

• A trial period may be required.
• The position may be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.
• The trial period is for the duration of the term appointment.
• The term may be extended for up to 6-years.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.