This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in the Office of Technology Centers, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate.
The mission of the Directorate is to deliver effective and innovative insight, methods, and solutions for the critical needs of the Homeland Security Enterprise. The Directorate is responsible for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts in support of the Department of Homeland Security's mission.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in the Office of Technology Centers, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate.
The mission of the Directorate is to deliver effective and innovative insight, methods, and solutions for the critical needs of the Homeland Security Enterprise. The Directorate is responsible for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts in support of the Department of Homeland Security's mission.
The Artificial Intelligence Senior Science Advisor serves as a technical thought leader to shape S&T's RDT&E strategies and advises S&T managers on projects and/or initiatives related to artificial intelligence and machine learning. The incumbent works directly with senior management, scientific, and technical personnel throughout the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) including program managers, DHS agencies, other Federal agencies, international partners, the private sector, and public interest groups to guide artificial intelligence and machine learning RDT&E initiatives and investments to enable the Department to protect and advance its mission.
Specific responsibilities include:
Responsible for setting a vision and providing strategic and technical leadership for RDT&E initiatives and investments in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) capabilities to meet Departmental needs.
Provides expert advice and counsel on varying projects related to the advancement of artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning models, and training data for AI/ML capabilities within the Science and Technology Directorate's portfolio that are high priority, addressing Congressional, White House, Secretarial, and Under-Secretarial initiatives.
Sets the strategic vision of how advancements in AI/ML can be applied to protect and advance the DHS mission, as well as forecasting S&T's 3 to 5-year research agenda in the AI/ML domain.
Serves as a subject matter expert and advising on the shaping of program goals, technical approaches, methods and strategies for advancing programs and understanding in the total advanced computing field, and the recommended approaches for integrating the planned activities of numerous scientists, researchers, and/or engineers in other Government agencies, foreign-allied government/defense research establishments, academic institutions, and/or private industry.
Interprets the impact of scientific and technical advancements within the artificial intelligence domain on broad DHS missions and requirements.
Provides technical leadership in understanding and conveying implications and influence of global strategies, DHS policies, and technical planning on behalf of S&T and DHS in interagency, international, industry, and academic arenas.
You must be a US citizen to apply for this position
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/
You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
You must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative test result prior to appointment to this position.
Selectee may be required to serve a one-year probationary period
Selectee may be required to serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Selectee will be required to complete an OGE 278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure form.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must possess all of the mandatory Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs). These qualifications would typically be acquired through education, experience, and training which reflect progressive development and achievement in leading teams and/or projects for a comprehensive business program in a complex organization. Typically, experience of this nature is gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector or nongovernmental organizations. An individual's total experience and education must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position.
All applicants must show evidence of the following PTQs below in order to meet basic qualifications for this position. Please label and include your name on each page. Please give examples and explain how often you used your skills, the complexity of the knowledge possessed, the level of people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled managing a large public or private sector organization that administers complex, rules-based benefits or services, etc. It is recommended that you draft your PTQ(s) in a word document and then upload into the system. You must address each PTQ separately, and you should not exceed 2 pages per PTQ. You are required to respond to all PTQs. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as 'ineligible.'
PTQ 1:
Demonstrated contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning and demonstrated senior-level experience in applying expertise of artificial intelligence and machine learning disciplines to operational uses.
PTQ 2:
Demonstrated senior-level experience in setting vision for and developing Research and Development (R&D) strategies and plans.
PTQ 3:
Demonstrated leadership skills in Federal government and private sector with strong interpersonal skills and experience in building partnerships internally to an organization as well as with external organizations, federal agencies, or international entities.
You must submit THREE written PTQ narrative statements that clearly and concisely document specialized experience.
Note: Responses to PTQs must not exceed 2 pages per PTQ, for a total of 6 pages.
Do not enter "Refer to Resume" to explain your answer. Applications directing the reader to search within the application or to "See Resume" are considered incomplete and WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Failure to submit a narrative statement or address any of the PTQs is also considered incomplete and WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. As a result, you will be rated as "INCOMPLETE."
Education
This position has mandatory education requirements. You must meet the education requirement for at least one of the series listed. You must certify that you have qualifying education by including an unofficial transcript or a list of course work, including semester hours earned and grade received. Education will be verified upon appointment. If you are a current Federal employee in one of these occupational series, you may include a copy of a personnel action in lieu of a transcript.
You must submit a copy of your college transcript OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website:http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage.
Additional information
Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
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.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience. Your resume and PTQ narrative statements will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel, and best qualified candidates will undergo an interview and a reference check. The DHS Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority.
Application packages will be reviewed for completeness. Incomplete or late packages will not receive further consideration. Your resume and questionnaire will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications based on your responses to the mandatory technical qualifications requirement. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not receive further consideration.
If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, your application package will be further evaluated by a rating and ranking panel, and if you are assessed in the Best Qualified category, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
All information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, security information and take that information into account in making employment offers. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection, and/or appropriate disciplinary action.Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are best qualified based. Qualifications will be based on the content of their resume and their responses to the PTQ narrative statements. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided .If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles:If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
Veterans, Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Scienfitic or Professional (ST) positions.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
Emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, and the results of your actions.
Your resume must show evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive-level management capability and directly related to the executive core qualifications.
Include start and end dates for each position (e.g., month and year; month, day, and year).
Your resume must be 5 pages or less.
Transcripts
A copy of your school transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from a U.S. accredited college or university. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript.
Upload under "Transcript" document type in the agency application system.
Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs):
Each of the PTQs listed in the Qualifications section of the Job Opportunity Announcement MUST be addressed.
Number each of your responses with the PTQ number you are addressing and provide specific examples of your experience, education and accomplishments that are applicable.
Please limit your responses to no more than two pages for each PTQ.
Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Please note: Performance award, Details, and Realignments are not acceptable SF-50s.
Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference. The member 4 copy of your DD214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title,
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
IMPORTANT:Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
The complete application package MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/13/2022.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted. If you cannot apply online, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
DHS is an equal employment employer: Selection for positions will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status or other differences.
DHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
245 MURRAY LANE SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will review your experience and qualifications to determine if you possess the required TQs for the position based on the information submitted in your package. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a rating and ranking panel members to determine the "best qualified" candidates who will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
Emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, and the results of your actions.
Your resume must show evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive-level management capability and directly related to the executive core qualifications.
Include start and end dates for each position (e.g., month and year; month, day, and year).
Your resume must be 5 pages or less.
Transcripts
A copy of your school transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from a U.S. accredited college or university. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript.
Upload under "Transcript" document type in the agency application system.
Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs):
Each of the PTQs listed in the Qualifications section of the Job Opportunity Announcement MUST be addressed.
Number each of your responses with the PTQ number you are addressing and provide specific examples of your experience, education and accomplishments that are applicable.
Please limit your responses to no more than two pages for each PTQ.
Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Please note: Performance award, Details, and Realignments are not acceptable SF-50s.
Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference. The member 4 copy of your DD214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title,
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
IMPORTANT:Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
The complete application package MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/13/2022.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted. If you cannot apply online, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
DHS is an equal employment employer: Selection for positions will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status or other differences.
DHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
245 MURRAY LANE SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will review your experience and qualifications to determine if you possess the required TQs for the position based on the information submitted in your package. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a rating and ranking panel members to determine the "best qualified" candidates who will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
