This position is located in the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the Department of Labor (DOL) is the principal Federal statistical agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. Its mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support the public and private decision-making that forms the basis of our democratic, free-enterprise system.
The incumbent serves as a Research Psychologist or Research Statistician in the Behavioral Science Research Center, Office of Survey Methodology Research whose primary purpose is to evaluate the cognitive and statistical aspects of survey programs to suggest improvements and to identify statistically sound and effective methodologies.
This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series/position titles listed. In addition to the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements, applicants must submit proof that they meet the educational requirements for at least one of the series described in the announcement. Applicants may only be appointed to job series/position titles for which they meet all experience and educational requirements.
This announcement will have cut off dates on June 5, July 5, and close on August 5. Qualified applicants will be sent to the hiring managers for review after each cut off date. All applicants who apply on or before the cut off date will be reviewed and will not need to reapply after each cut off date. BLS is hiring for one (1) available position. If the vacancy is filled prior to the closing date, the vacancy announcement will be closed.
This position has promotion potential to GS-14. Promotion Potential: There is no obligation to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and supervisory approval.
- This position is inside the bargaining unit. - Writing samples and professional references will be requested at the time of an interview. - This position will not be filled until the Department's Placement Assistance Programs have been fully utilized. - Applications will be accepted by clicking the "Apply Online" button.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the Department of Labor (DOL) is the principal Federal statistical agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. Its mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support the public and private decision-making that forms the basis of our democratic, free-enterprise system.
The incumbent serves as a Research Psychologist or Research Statistician in the Behavioral Science Research Center, Office of Survey Methodology Research whose primary purpose is to evaluate the cognitive and statistical aspects of survey programs to suggest improvements and to identify statistically sound and effective methodologies.
This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series/position titles listed. In addition to the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements, applicants must submit proof that they meet the educational requirements for at least one of the series described in the announcement. Applicants may only be appointed to job series/position titles for which they meet all experience and educational requirements.
This announcement will have cut off dates on June 5, July 5, and close on August 5. Qualified applicants will be sent to the hiring managers for review after each cut off date. All applicants who apply on or before the cut off date will be reviewed and will not need to reapply after each cut off date. BLS is hiring for one (1) available position. If the vacancy is filled prior to the closing date, the vacancy announcement will be closed.
This position has promotion potential to GS-14. Promotion Potential: There is no obligation to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and supervisory approval.
- This position is inside the bargaining unit. - Writing samples and professional references will be requested at the time of an interview. - This position will not be filled until the Department's Placement Assistance Programs have been fully utilized. - Applications will be accepted by clicking the "Apply Online" button.
This position is located in the Behavioral Science Research Center (BSRC) within the Office of Survey Methods Research. The mission of the Office of Survey Methods Research is to plan and direct a continuing research and evaluation program for the Bureau that seeks to minimize major sources of survey error and to ensure the dissemination of high quality data. Duties include but are not limited to:
1. Conducts research in the behavioral sciences and survey methodology as applied to BLS surveys. Responsible for planning, initiating and directing a continuing research and evaluation program in these areas.
2. Designs, conducts, interprets, and reports the results of research which may include cognitive, usability or statistical aspects of survey methodology, data quality and/or non-sampling error.
3. Contributes to survey design and identification of the procedural factors that affect respondent cooperation and quality of reporting. Participates in discussions concerning changing these procedures to improve reporting and data quality.
4. Analyzes data obtained in laboratory studies and field tests designed to investigate survey quality and a respondent's reporting ability. Uses qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to evaluate questions through cognitive interviews, laboratory experiments, and through the use of statistical techniques such as univariate analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, regression analysis, and factor analysis.
5. Drafts technical reports on methodological and behavioral science methods and procedures. Presentations of research methods and evaluation results at technical seminars and professional meetings will be given for the purpose of conveying information, for soliciting comments from colleagues or for critical review by the scientific community.
Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
This announcement may be used to fill additional like positions.
Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Qualifications
Research Psychologist GS-12:
Basic Requirements for all Psychology positions: A degree in Psychology; AND
In addition to the Basic Requirements:
For the GS-12 level, applicants must have either (a) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Sociology, Psychology, Educational Research, Survey Methodology, or a closely related field, OR (b) one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. This one year of specialized experience must be in or related to the field of Psychology and must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is demonstrated by performing highly creative research that (1) Led to the development of a basic principle, product, concept, method, approach, or technique; (2) Provided a body of information that opened the way for a major advance in the field; and/or (3) submissions of one or more articles to peer-reviewed journals.
Research Statistician GS-12:
Basic Requirement for all Statistician positions:
A. Degree: that included 15 semester hours in statistics (or in mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours were in statistics), and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences, medicine, education, or engineering; or in the social sciences including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology, etc. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements should be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods, e.g., courses that included studies in research methods in psychology or economics such as tests and measurements or business cycles, or courses in methods of processing mass statistical data such as tabulating methods or electronic data processing.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience should have included a full range of professional statistical work such as (a) sampling, (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data, and (c) applying statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlation, analysis of variance, and tests of significance.
AND
In addition to the Basic Requirements:
For the GS-12 level, applicants must have either (a) one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 in the Federal Service or (b) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, mathematics, or a closely related field. Specialized experience is demonstrated by performing highly creative research that (1) led to the development of a basic principle, product, concept, or method; (2) provided a body of information that opened the way for advancements in the field; and/or (3) led to submissions of one or more articles to peer-reviewed journals.
Research Psychologist or Research Statistician GS-13:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for each respective professional area (see above), at the GS-13 level, there is no substitution of education for experience. For the GS-13 level, applicants must have one year of specialized experience (through work in government, academia, the private sector, or nonprofit organizations) equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. This one year of specialized experience must be in, or related, to the field of psychology or statistics, and must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position to be filled. The incumbent must be able to plan, conduct, and evaluate research on sources of non-sampling errors, and on refinements and/or modifications of currently employed survey methodologies for the purpose of improving survey forms and the quality of data collected for Agency BLS programs. In addition, this research must have (1) led to the development of a basic principle, product, concept, or method; (2) provided a body of information that opened the way for advancements in statistical methodologies; and/or (3) led to submissions of one or more articles to peer-reviewed journals.
Education
As you must use your education as a basis for meeting the eligibility and/or minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must submit academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements. You must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit for that course work. See the 'Qualifications and Evaluations' section of this announcement for more details.
College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education - Transcripts (in English) must be submitted if (a) a degree is required for the position, and/or (b) education is used as the basis for qualifying for this position. The Department of Labor does not recognize academic degrees from schools that are not accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the Department of Education. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service. If courses were taken at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, or from several different colleges or universities, you must submit all the necessary transcripts. If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.
Please note, you will be deemed ineligible for this vacancy if you do not submit college transcripts as proof of meeting education requirements. This applies to ALL applicants, including those currently or previously qualified in this series and/or grade.
Additional information
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Department of Labor does not make unfavorable hiring decisions on the basis of an applicant's previous or current unemployment, or the fact that an applicant has experienced financial difficulty through no fault of his/her own and has undertaken good faith efforts to meet his/her financial obligations. Consideration is given to financial status in relation to appointments only where required by law, regulation, or Executive Order.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses.
Categories: Category A - Meets the minimum qualifications requirements and demonstrates superior proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position.
Category B - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position.
Category C - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates familiarity in applying critical competencies required by this position.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies): All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies (click Evaluation Tools for information): 1. Decision Making/Problem Solving 2. Interpersonal Skills 3. Oral Communications 4. Planning and Evaluating 5. Written Communications 6. Technical (Research Psychologist/Statistician) 7. Self Management
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)
INFORMATION FOR ICTAP ELIGIBLES ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP eligibles who are placed into Category A will be considered "well-qualified". Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information. To preview questions please click here.
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.
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.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
– Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - You must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, PHD, etc). If specific course work is required to qualify, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
OFFICIAL Transcripts MUST BE RECEIVED prior to selection and report date. Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
- Veterans Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting honorable or general discharge or release within 120 days, click Active Duty). Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, click the “Agency Contact Information” link on the “Apply” page.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS) Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL) On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 Steps noted at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th step is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy . Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Application Review” step, click “Submit Application” The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Postal Square Bldg.
2 Massachusetts Ave, NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20212
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
– Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - You must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, PHD, etc). If specific course work is required to qualify, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.
You may upload your transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit). If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.
OFFICIAL Transcripts MUST BE RECEIVED prior to selection and report date. Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.
- Veterans Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting honorable or general discharge or release within 120 days, click Active Duty). Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, click the “Agency Contact Information” link on the “Apply” page.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS) Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL) On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 Steps noted at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th step is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy . Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Application Review” step, click “Submit Application” The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Postal Square Bldg.
2 Massachusetts Ave, NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20212
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
