You can make a difference in the world with a career at the Department of State! As a Data Scientist, you can impact U.S. foreign policy goals by supporting data-driven diplomacy. We are hiring many experienced Civil Service Data Scientists to work in various offices and portfolios across the Department. Positions may require a Secret security clearance or higher. If eligible, applicants will be referred to similar Data Scientist vacancies across the Department for an extended time period.
Summary
You can make a difference in the world with a career at the Department of State! As a Data Scientist, you can impact U.S. foreign policy goals by supporting data-driven diplomacy. We are hiring many experienced Civil Service Data Scientists to work in various offices and portfolios across the Department. Positions may require a Secret security clearance or higher. If eligible, applicants will be referred to similar Data Scientist vacancies across the Department for an extended time period.
This job will close when we have received 400 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$106,823 to - $164,102 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13 - 14
Location
Washington, DC
Many vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - May require domestic and/or International travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
Varies - This announcement is being used to fill two different positions at different grade levels. The promotion potential for the GS-13 position is GS-13. The promotion potential for the GS-14 position is GS-14.
Serve as a technical authority on analytical, statistical, and programming techniques necessary to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret unique and highly specialized data sets for decision-making in the Department.
Participate in discovery processes with business owner teams and stakeholders to identify requirements, expected outcomes for new or existing initiatives, and the measurements of success.
Identify internal and external data sources, leverage new data collection processes and perform all phases of the systems development life cycle required in the design, development, and implementation of features enabling data access.
Provide technical expertise, leadership, and support to many Department and interagency interlocutors to ensure maximum achievement of product and program objectives; develop, implement and oversee new data science technologies and techniques.
At the GS-13 level, the Data Scientist performs essentially the same duties as outlined above; however, the scope and complexity of assignments are of less responsibility and independence and receives closer supervision than the GS-14 level.
One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.
Depending on the job, a Secret security clearance or higher may be required.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Qualifications
Applicants MUST meet the required basic entry qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in 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
Have a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
Note: You MUST submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.
IN ADDITION to the BASIC REQUIREMENTS, you must have at least 52 weeks of full time experience demonstrating accomplishment of all the duties and competencies described below in order to qualify. Please make sure your resume reflects this time required. Subject matter experts will evaluate your resume based on the competencies outlined below.
Study Design: Collaborates with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders to identify the appropriate data, methodological approaches, and designs. Determine user needs and how they align to organizational objectives.
Data Analysis: Conducts analyses using software and/or programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, or SAS to explore/group data, test hypotheses, predict outcomes, and inform decisions. Derive meaning from quantitative and/or qualitative data (i.e. datasets that may be large, disparate, unstructured, and/or complex).
Communication: Translate complex concepts, findings, limitations, and recommendations of improvements into easy-to-understand products. Closely tie findings and conclusions into the original problem statement, and team objectives to communicate to both experts and nontechnical audiences.
GS-13: To qualify for the GS-13 level, your resume must show at least one year experience performing the competencies defined above relating to study design, data analysis, and communication.
GS-14: To qualify for the GS-14 level, in addition to what is described at the GS-13 level, your resume must show at least one year experience advising and working independently or leading on study design and data analysis efforts across organizations.
Education
See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.
When an applicant has less than one year of specialized experience as described in the announcement, he or she may combine successfully completed graduate-level education with experience to meet the total qualification requirements. Generally, 18 graduate semester hours is equivalent to 1 full-time year of graduate study (your school and department determine what constitutes 1 full time year of graduate study). The percentage of specialized work experience (for example, 6 months equals 50%) and the percentage of graduate study (for example, 9 graduate hours for a GS-07 equals 50% where 18 graduate hours constitute a full time year) must total at least 100%.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
Additional information
For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov.
If eligible, telework and remote work agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. Please note that any approved remote work arrangement is subject to the locality pay area of the alternative telework worksite.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
This announcement was amended on 4/26/2022 to change the application limit from 250 to 400.
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.
The evaluation process for this job is different from a typical job announcement.
Human Resources will determine whether applicants meet the basic requirements outlined for this position and competencies will be evaluated by subject matter experts. Apply only if you meet the qualifications.
1. Application & Resume review
Human Resources will determine whether you meet the basic requirements. Then, subject matter experts will review your resume to further determine your qualifications based on the required competencies.
2. Written Assessment
If you meet the basic requirements for the position and the subject matter experts determine that your resume reflects the required competencies, you will have the opportunity to respond to a written assessment to further assess whether your experience meets the required competencies. You must return the written response within the stated timeframe for further consideration.
3. Ranking and Veterans’ preference
Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the following quality categories:
Highly Qualified: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate an advanced level of the experience and competencies required for the position.
Well Qualified: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a moderate level of the experience and competencies required for the position.
Qualified: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of the experience and competencies required for the position.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates must be rated "Well Qualified" for the position to receive consideration for special priority.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the Highly Qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is considered scientific/professional. Other 10-point preference eligible and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible applicants within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference on OPM’s Fed Hire Vets website.
Agency and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never been a Federal employee, you are not CTAP or ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must be rated in the Well-Qualified category for this position and submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement to receive consideration for selection priority.
Future consideration: If you are selected for a position, then you will then be removed from consideration for other similar positions filled through this announcement. If you are not selected, you may be considered for similar positions filled through this announcement for an extended period of time.
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.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
1. Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must support your answers to the completed online assessment questions.
2. Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education. See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
3. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable:
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15andall required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
4. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.). Visit our agency’s ICTAP and CTAP eligibility information sites for more information and required application documentation.
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.
To start your application, click Apply and we’ll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents.
During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We’ll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won’t lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
Alternate Application Procedures
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review applicants’ resumes to evaluate qualification requirements. Applicants who are extended an additional assessment for written response will receive instructions via e-mail. Please pay close attention to your e-mail in-box, including junk/spam folders, for e-mail notifications. You must return the written response within the stated timeframe for further consideration. Written responses to the assessment questions will also be evaluated by a SME, and only the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months.
You will be notified on the status of your application throughout the recruitment process. For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
1. Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must support your answers to the completed online assessment questions.
2. Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education. See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
3. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable:
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15andall required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
4. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.). Visit our agency’s ICTAP and CTAP eligibility information sites for more information and required application documentation.
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.
To start your application, click Apply and we’ll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents.
During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We’ll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won’t lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
Alternate Application Procedures
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review applicants’ resumes to evaluate qualification requirements. Applicants who are extended an additional assessment for written response will receive instructions via e-mail. Please pay close attention to your e-mail in-box, including junk/spam folders, for e-mail notifications. You must return the written response within the stated timeframe for further consideration. Written responses to the assessment questions will also be evaluated by a SME, and only the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months.
You will be notified on the status of your application throughout the recruitment process. For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
