The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will use Direct Hire Authority to fill vacancies for the Data Scientist positions within the agency.
This vacancy is a REPOSITORY of applications.
Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants status will not be updated UNLESS referred.
Summary
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will use Direct Hire Authority to fill vacancies for the Data Scientist positions within the agency.
This vacancy is a REPOSITORY of applications.
Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants status will not be updated UNLESS referred.
Actual salary will be determined at time of selection and based on duty station.
Pay scale & grade
GG 11 - 15
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Atlanta, GA
Naperville, IL
Rockville, MD
King of Prussia, PA
Chattanooga, TN
Arlington, TX
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
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
15 - If selected at GG-11-13 promotion potential is GG-13; if selected at GG-14 promotion potential is GG-14; if selected at GG-15 promotion potential is GG-15.
Duties may include conducting and coordinating highly specialized analysis of a wide range of data mining/data analysis methods (e.g., data cleansing, data management, analytics, visualization and engineering), modeling (e. g., model selection, training, evaluation and tuning), mathematics, statistics and artificial intelligence to collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets. Work involves thorough technical expertise to accomplish gathering and maintenance of data, data analytics, development of methodological approaches, study design, development of data strategies and data policies, and advanced written, verbal, and visual communications of study / analysis output.
Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to the grade level of the position.
These positions may be subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this public notice and before placement in the position.
Selectees may be required to serve a trial period to assess their overall fitness and qualifications for continued employment. The trial period for new employees is two years. New employees who are preference eligible veterans serve a one-year trial period.
All information in your resume must be true and accurate.
Conditions of Employment:
U.S. Citizenship Required
This is a Drug Testing position
This position may be subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements
Qualifications
This position is being filled using the agency's Direct Hire Authority.
All positions, dependent upon grade levels being filled, require some level of related experience or education. (Job family series included for this vacancy are listed below)
The NRC will accept applications for this vacancy for ONLY the following occupational series: Data Scientist 1560
In order to qualify for these positions, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
Specialized Experience by Grade Level:
GG-11: At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GG-09 grade level in the Federal service, or at least 1 year equivalent experience in the private or public sector to include: Assisting efforts to assess and document current state business processes and data/technical architectures; assisting efforts to develop and document future state business processes and data/technical architectures; assisting efforts to perform gap analyses and develop recommendations for business process and data/technical architecture improvements; assisting efforts to translate business needs into data/technical requirements; demonstrating working knowledge of data mining/data analysis methods, modeling, mathematics, statistics, programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R), web-based application development (e.g., JavaScript, Java, Python, C/C++, R/Shiny apps), and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, SharePoint, PowerBI), and demonstrating working knowledge of artificial intelligence capabilities for intelligent automation, knowledge discovery, conversational UIs and/or content generation.
GG-12: At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GG-11 grade level in the Federal service, or at least 1 year of equivalent experience in the private or public sector to include: Coordinating efforts to assess and document current state business processes and data/technical architectures; Coordinating efforts to develop and document future state business processes and data/technical architectures; Coordinating efforts to perform gap analyses and develop recommendations for business process and data/technical architecture improvements; Coordinating efforts to translate business needs into data/technical requirements; Demonstrating intermediate proficiency in data mining/data analysis methods, modeling, mathematics, statistics, programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R), web-based application development (e.g., JavaScript, Java, Python, C/C++, R/Shiny apps), and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, SharePoint, PowerBI), and demonstrating intermediate knowledge of artificial intelligence capabilities for intelligent automation, knowledge discovery, conversational UIs and/or content generation.
GG-13: At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GG-12 grade level in the Federal service, or at least 1 year of equivalent experience in the private or public sector to include: Assessing and documenting current state business processes and data/technical architectures; developing and documenting future state business processes and data/technical architectures; performing gap analyses and developing recommendations for business process and data/technical architecture improvements; translating business needs into data/technical requirements, proficiency in written and oral communications at all organizational levels, demonstrating intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in data mining/data analysis methods, modeling, mathematics, statistics, programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R), web-based application development (e.g., JavaScript, Java, Python, C/C++, R/Shiny apps), and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, SharePoint, PowerBI), and demonstrating intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence capabilities for intelligent automation, knowledge discovery, conversational UIs and/or content generation.
GG-14: At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GG-13 grade level in the Federal service, or at least 1 year of equivalent experience in the private or public sector to include: Overseeing and participating in the assessment and documentation of current state business processes and data/technical architectures; overseeing and participating in the development and documentation of future state business processes and data/technical architectures; overseeing and participating in gap analyses and the development of recommendations for business process and data/technical architecture improvements; overseeing and participating in the translation of business needs into data/technical requirements, proficiency in written and oral communications at all organizational levels, and overseeing and participating in teams to achieve business outcomes by leveraging staff and/or contract resources with junior-to-advanced proficiency in data mining/data analysis methods, modeling, mathematics, statistics, programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R), web-based application development (e.g., JavaScript, Java, Python, C/C++, R/Shiny apps), and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, SharePoint, PowerBI), and demonstrating intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence capabilities for intelligent automation, knowledge discovery, conversational UIs and/or content generation.
GG-15: At least 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GG-14 grade level in the Federal service, or at least 1 year of equivalent experience in the private or public sector to include: Leading cross-functional teams in the assessment and documentation of current state business processes and data/technical architectures; leading cross-functional teams in the development and documentation of future state business processes and data/technical architectures; leading cross-functional teams in performing gap analyses and the development of recommendations for business process and data/technical architecture improvements; leading cross-functional teams in the translation of business needs into data/technical requirements; proficiency in written and oral communications at all organizational levels, engaging senior leadership to identify, prioritize, and champion innovation and modernization initiatives, leading teams to achieve business outcomes by leveraging staff and/or contract resources with junior-to-advanced proficiency in data mining/data analysis methods, modeling, mathematics, statistics, programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, R), web-based application development (e.g., JavaScript, Java, Python, C/C++, R/Shiny apps), and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, SharePoint, PowerBI), and demonstrating advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence capabilities for intelligent automation, knowledge discovery, conversational UIs and/or content generation.
The ideal candidate for these positions must demonstrate:
1) Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage complex, highly technical projects;
3) Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing; and
4) Ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.
A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume. The NRC encourages applicants to provide concise job experience details in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Education
Qualifications Standard for Data Science Series, 1560
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: 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
B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy.
The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Applications MAY be periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and after the closing date of this vacancy. You MAY be referred to selecting officials based on your UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS and NRC's NEEDS.
Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service, a transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires.
To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you need favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication are required for continued employment.
If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.
When a position is requested to be filled under the Direct Hire Authority, a list of applicants may be provided to management for review and possible selection.
You will not receive any notifications and your resume will not be reviewed for qualifications until a position is requested to be filled.
This Public Notice may be used to fill positions in other equivalent pay systems and maybe used to fill one or more vacancies at any time without notification.
Other Information:
Although the official position of record is Rockville, MD, the selectee will continue to work from their current duty station and will be required to follow the agency's current in-office reporting and telework policies.
Rockville, MD $85,482 to $197,200
Chattanooga, TN $74,678 to $192,331
King of Prussia, PA $81,474 to $195,200
Atlanta, GA $78,972 to $197,200
Naperville, IL $83,482 to $197,200
Arlington, TX $81,186 to $197,200
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.
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.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.
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 for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a highly competitive vacancy with a limited number of openings available. When a need exists, applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Applications will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a concise resume.
Applicants MAY be periodically referred to Selecting Officials during the open period, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Your application will be evaluated based on the information provided in your resume to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job requirements.
If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each 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.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.
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 are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
In addition to the above, the below documents are acceptable for submission if you claim the following eligibilities:
Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: You may submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
Veteran Preference Eligibles: You maysubmit DD-214 showing type of discharge/character of service (e.g. DD-214 Member 4 Copy); SF-15 Form; and related documentation such as a VA letter showing disability percentage. If currently on active duty, you may submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 08/06/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12951156.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration. You are applying to a resume database. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained and may be used at anytime during the open period of this Public Notice. U.S. Citizenship is REQUIRED.
Applicants MAY be periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicant statuses will not be updated UNLESS referred.
IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager via the contact information you provided in your application. 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, martial status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
In addition to the above, the below documents are acceptable for submission if you claim the following eligibilities:
Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: You may submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
Veteran Preference Eligibles: You maysubmit DD-214 showing type of discharge/character of service (e.g. DD-214 Member 4 Copy); SF-15 Form; and related documentation such as a VA letter showing disability percentage. If currently on active duty, you may submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 08/06/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12951156.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration. You are applying to a resume database. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained and may be used at anytime during the open period of this Public Notice. U.S. Citizenship is REQUIRED.
Applicants MAY be periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicant statuses will not be updated UNLESS referred.
IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager via the contact information you provided in your application. 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, martial status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
