Data Scientist

Summary

The NIH's mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. We are looking for motivated Data Scientists in multiple locations to help drive the NIH mission. The following Institutes/Centers are participating in this recruitment: NIBIB NEI DTR Additional institutes/centers may also participate in this announcement.

Duties

• If selected for this position as a Data Scientist, GS-1560-11/12/13 your duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Designing and implementing strategies, methodologies, and tools to collect data that is relevant, accurate, and representative of the target population or phenomenon of interest. Preparing the data and ensuring its suitability for the intended use (e.g., storage, analysis, or modeling) by cleaning, wrangling, and formatting the data. Organizing, storing, and maintaining data in a way that optimizes access patterns, security, and accommodates different data types and characteristics. Using computational/statistical techniques for analyzing data. This includes applying the algorithms and methods that underlie artificial intelligence (AI), data mining, machine learning, and statistical inference to gain knowledge or insights, build classifiers and predictors, or infer causality. Representing data and information visually through graphical or interactive means such as charts, graphs, maps, or dashboards. Explaining what the visualized data means considering context, point, implications, and possible ramifications. Developing, implementing, or leading data science initiatives, programs, or strategies while ensuring compliance, managing teams/resources, evaluating proposals, and maintaining reproducible work procedures. Developing, implementing, modifying, or providing recommendations on data visualization, healthcare AI, and other data science tools (e.g., machine learning).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: To qualify for a Data Scientist, GS-1560 position, you must have a bachelor's degree, or graduate/higher level degree with a major study in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or a field that is directly related to the position; OR, a combination of education (at least 30 semester hours) and additional appropriate/related experience that is the equivalent to a major in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or a field directly related to the position. All education, unless completed outside of the U.S., must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the education was completed. Additional Requirements (GS-11): In addition, in order to qualify for this position at the GS-11 level, you must have: At least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: developing recommendations for the most efficient ways to collect quantitative information; creating data cleaning/wrangling scripts to transform data into a suitable format for analysis or storage; analyzing data with programming languages (e.g., R, Python) using statistical methods/techniques (e.g., Logistic Regression, ANOVA) to extract insights/findings; and summarizing data analysis results using data visualization tools to prepare presentations for internal stakeholders or team members; or, 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field; or, A combination of post baccalaureate education above the master's level in a related field, and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. Additional Requirements (GS-12): In addition, in order to qualify for this position at the GS-12 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: Performing data collection, preprocessing, and analysis by applying programming languages (e.g., R, Python), feature engineering, advanced statistical methods/techniques (e.g., MANOVA, Bayesian Analysis), and machine learning/AI tools; Implementing machine learning/AI tools (e.g., NLP, DP, RL) to extract insights from data; and, Summarizing data analysis results using data visualization tools, programming languages, and software applications (e.g., MATLAB, Tableau) to prepare presentations for external stakeholders. Additional Requirements (GS-13): In addition, in order to qualify for this position at the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: Enhancing data collection, preprocessing, and analysis activities by implementing/adapting programming language codes (e.g., R, Python), feature engineering, advanced statistical methods/techniques (e.g., MANOVA, Bayesian Analysis), and machine learning/AI tools; Adapting and implementing machine learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques (e.g., NLP, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning) to extract insights from unstructured data; Explaining findings using data visualization tools, programming languages, and software applications (e.g., MATLAB, Tableau); and, Explaining data science concepts to stakeholders (e.g., researchers, leadership) to build consensus in planning data initiatives (e.g., data collection, preprocessing, analysis, reporting). You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13072100

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Evaluations

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. A direct hire authority covers the position(s) advertised in this announcement. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants, including category rating, does not apply. Qualified candidates meeting the minimum proficiency score on the technical assessment will be referred for further consideration in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire guidelines. Veterans' Preference does not apply. To be considered well qualified for the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements. The position(s) advertised in this announcement are covered by the agency's Reemployment Priority List (RPL). RPL candidates will be rated, placed into one of the quality categories below, and referred to the hiring office, once veterans' preference is applied. Qualified Well Qualified Best Qualified Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 10/05/2026 to receive consideration. Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later. We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at [email protected]. If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact NIH HR SERVICE DESK BRANCH H at [email protected]. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date. Visit our site for information on NIH's EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

What to expect next

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You will be notified of the status of your applications via email. In addition, you can track the progress of your application package through your USAJOBS account. At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.

Required documents

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS RESUME: Your resume must clearly demonstrate, in two pages or less, how your skills and experiences align with the "Qualifications" section and support your questionnaire responses. While cover letters provided with your application will be shared with hiring officials, they will not be used for initial qualification determinations. We cannot assume required experience based on your work or academic history. If your resume exceeds two pages, only the first two will be reviewed. Use a legible font such as Lato, Calibri, Helvetica, or Arial, with 0.5-inch margins. Suggested formatting: 14-point for titles and 10-point for body text. You may use the USAJOBS Resume Builder or upload your own resume. If uploading, ensure it includes all required information and is organized so we can match the following to each position: Job title Employer name Employment dates (MM/DD/YYYY) Hours worked per week (full-time assumed; part-time prorated) Detailed duties, accomplishments, skills, responsibilities, and supervisory details (if applicable) Series and grade or equivalent (for federal positions) If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications. For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Help Applying, USAJOBS Resource Center, and the USAJOBS Resume Guidance. If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. APPLICATION QUESTIONNAIRE: You must submit a completed application questionnaire. Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR CAREER TRANSITION CLAIMS Visit our websites to claim selection priority through the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP: Career Transition Assistance Program | Office of Human Resources ICTAP: Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan | Office of Human Resources If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility. Please do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.

Other information

This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave. Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration. The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Military Spouses selected from this announcement will remain in their current duty location (i.e., the official duty station of the military service member. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process. If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation. If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.