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Computer Scientist (Cybersecurity)

Legislative Branch
Government Accountability Office
Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics
This job announcement has closed

Summary

You will be responsible for assisting in the execution of engagements related to science and technology issues, including data collection and analysis, message conceptualization, developing and drafting findings, and coordinating with officials from federal agencies and industry.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Posted 03/15/22
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$69,448 - $105,221 per year
Pay scale & grade
PE 10
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Announcement number
STAA-22-DE-11421863
Control number
643054200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

**This announcement has been amended to extend the closing date.**

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Duties

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  • Support the execution of science and technology engagements-including performance audits, technology assessments, and Comptroller General forums and roundtables-on topics with computer science aspects, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, blockchain, autonomous systems and robotics, extended reality, Internet of Things, biometrics, and others.
  • Provide technical research and analysis of cybersecurity risks of hardware and software systems across a range of applications and sectors of national importance, including assessments of options to address the risks.
  • Provide technical advice and support on engagements with computer science aspects, including computer system architecture and system software organization; the representation and transformation of information structures; cybersecurity considerations; and the design characteristics, limitations, and potential applications of computer systems, in accordance with agency standards.
  • Contribute to the development of the engagement's approach, including participating in the preparation of the design matrix and project plan; conducting background research on computer scientific subject matter; preparing and organizing engagement-related documentation; data gathering and analysis from a variety of sources, including developing interview questions and taking thorough interview notes; and evaluating engagement-related documentation to make logical inferences and draw accurate conclusions;
  • Conduct interviews to gather appropriate information, and communicate relevant information to agency officials, team members, internal stakeholders, and congressional staff, during formal and informal presentations and meetings;
  • Conduct analysis of the engagement research data, responses received from interviewees, and other evidence that has been collected from various sources;
  • Prepare written summaries of interviews and analyses, and produce reports and other written products that effectively communicate information and findings;
  • Collaborate with others to address issues or solve problems and follow up with others to ensure needs are met; and solicit, listen to, and consider diverse perspectives, approaches, or viewpoints, and incorporate others' perspectives into decision-making;
  • Support the data analysis and evaluation phase of the engagement related to computer science topics. This includes data analysis and message development by synthesizing technical information and drawing preliminary conclusions, and periodically presenting findings to engagement team members, management, and stakeholders;
  • Perform indexing and referencing of products and assist with the coordination of agency comments and the preparation of final products; and
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation
  • Completion of a probationary period is required.
  • Completion of a financial disclosure statement is required.
  • This is a bargaining unit position.
  • You must meet the education and specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement to be considered.
  • The PDP is a 2 year probationary program.

Qualifications

You must have one year of specialized experience that demonstrates:

  • Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to reach conclusions;
  • Presenting results in writing through research papers, dissertations, and other means;
  • Presenting results orally in presentations or defense of dissertations to supervisors, peers, or clients; and
  • Conducting laboratory or literature research on computer science and technology topics.
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.

Education

You must have one of the following:

  • A bachelor's degree in computer science.
  • A bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours are: 1.) any combination of statistics and mathematics; and 2.) include differential and integral calculus.

Additional information

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Newly hired or recently promoted PE-I staff begin their careers by participating in GAO's 2-year Professional Development Program (PDP) for entry-level analysts. The PDP experience includes a combination of on-the-job and classroom training, regular feedback and coaching, and exposure to different projects, issues, and management styles. Project assignments are based on a combination of GAO's needs and your background and interests. The PDP will place you in various project assignments that provide you with a range of developmental opportunities.

Salary ranges by location

Atlanta: 57848 - 96135

Boston: 64331 - 107750

Dallas: 61104 - 101661

Denver: 61121 - 101690

Huntsville: 56371 - 93401

Oakland: 67411 - 113140

Washington, DC: 61390 - 102136

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A review of your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be further evaluated based on your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying. Your responses must provide sufficient information to determine possession of experience and must be evidenced in your resume. Incomplete responses (e.g. see resume, or like), errors or omissions will affect your eligibility.There is a severe shortage of candidates for this position. To expedite the hiring process, we have eliminated competitive rating and ranking, veterans' preference, and "rule of three" or category rating procedures.

To preview the assessment questionnaire, click: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11421863

Government Accountability Office

Agency contact information

Justin Scott
Email
scottja@gao.gov
Address
Government Accountability Office
Human Capital Office
441 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20548
US

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https://www.gao.gov/about

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