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Applied Research Mathematician / Mathematical Statistician - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Department of Defense
National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Summary

NSA is actively searching for mathematicians and mathematical statisticians like you to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, physicists, computer scientists, data scientists, and other intelligence professionals. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1252445

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/06/2026 to 01/18/2026
Salary
$87,362 to - $153,082 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG 7 - 12
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
1252445
Control number
853668500

Videos

Duties

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At NSA, mathematics and statistics are core disciplines present in every aspect of our mission: to protect our Nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes, and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information.

Mathematicians and Mathematical Statisticians contribute across our mission by bringing both subject matter expertise and creative, critical thinking. A wide range of technical expertise finds a natural fit at NSA including, but not limited to, fields of algebra, combinatorics, Fourier analysis, operations research, graph analytics, regression, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, stochastic processes, statistical modeling, forecasting, and cryptography.

NSA solves its hardest problems and develops innovative solutions by bringing together people with a wide range of mathematical backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints, which is key for NSA mission success.

The Agency supports a dynamic mathematics community with substantial opportunities to learn and experiment in areas far from academic training. Additionally, professional development is supported by hands-on training, seminar series, conference travel, and professional organizations. These opportunities and core mission needs help make NSA the largest employer of mathematicians and mathematical statisticians in the country.

Newly-hired mathematicians and mathematical statisticians begin their careers in the Mathematics Development Program (MDP). The goal of the three-year MDP is to provide on-the-job training in the broad range of mathematical and statistical sciences at NSA. This is primarily accomplished through 6-month tours in NSA offices of the MDP participant's choosing. Mentorship is provided for each tour and participants work on real mission problems. MDP members also study cryptologic mathematics, statistical data mining, and related subjects in courses taught by Agency experts. Participants are required to develop skills in programming and using computational resources to solve mission problems. Various short-term and long-term travel opportunities exist for interested participants but are not required.

NOTE: Please submit your application, including transcripts, through apply.intelligencecareers.gov. In addition, you should also send a soft copy PDF of your resume/CV, and all college transcripts (to include undergraduate, graduate, and transfer transcripts) to mathjobs@uwe.nsa.gov. You may also include a cover letter (optional).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Experience may also include, network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.

Additional information

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $87,362 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Candidates must possess:

- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Desire for continual learning
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired but not required. Successful applicants may learn these skills at the Agency.

- Programming expertise in any language
- Experience in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematical models, methods and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development)

NOTE: Please submit your application, including transcripts, through apply.intelligencecareers.gov. In addition, you should also send a soft copy PDF of your resume/CV, and all college transcripts (to include undergraduate, graduate, and transfer transcripts) to mathjobs@uwe.nsa.gov. You may also include a cover letter (optional).

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