Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

Social Security Administration

Washington, DC

$107,446–$139,684 Per Year

4 days ago

Job Description

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Data Scientist (Direct Hire)

Social Security Administration

RISK & QUALITY / Program Integrity, Risk, & Fraud Prevention (PIRFP)

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Summary
This job is open to
Duties
Requirements
How you will be evaluated
Required documents
How to apply

Summary

This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority.

See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below.

Serves as subject matter expert in the specialized area of data sciences and advisor on matters related to the application of mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, data and computer sciences and geospatial analysis.

See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information about this position.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority.

See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below.

See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information about this position.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

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Accepting applications

Location

2 vacancies in the following locations:

Birmingham, AL

Los Angeles, CA

Pasadena, CA

San Diego, CA

San Francisco, CA

Denver, CO

Washington, DC

Atlanta, GA

Chicago, IL

Boston, MA

Woodlawn, MD

Detroit, MI

Kansas City, MO

New York, NY

Queens, NY

Philadelphia, PA

Dallas, TX

Seattle, WA

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $107,446 - $139,684 per year

GS-14 Base Salary Only -- locality provisions apply -- see ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for salaries by location

Pay scale & grade

GS 14

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time - Flex-Time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

1560 Data Science Series

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number SSA-13103033-27-DHA-RQ Control number 892090800

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

Vacancies are open to All US Citizens. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). Relocation costs will not be paid. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the selected / assigned ODS by the time of your appointment.

Duties

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Develops algorithms and/or tools to support data manipulation and processing. Develops, integrates, and maintains data and extract, transform, and load (ETL) procedures that are logically sound.
Maintainable, sustainable, auditable, flexible, repeatable, and scalable on a variety of structured and unstructured data. Maps data and validates and implements ETL procedures.
Analyzes complex data elements and systems, data flow, dependencies, and relationships in order to contribute to conceptual physical and logical data models.
Develops data set processes and uses programming language and tools to identify ways to improve data reliability, efficiency and quality for missions, goals, and future planning.
Ensures on-going consultation and instruction to functional area users on information systems, databases, and file accessing techniques, search strategies.
Processing and file assessing techniques, processing and space utilization efficiencies, database security procedures, backup and program recovery techniques, and testing techniques.
As needed, provides assistance to programmers/analysts in development, testing, and implementation of new or modified systems or programs.
Works with teams to develop data products and definitions.
Use appropriate analytic and statistical software to programmatically prepare data for analysis and clean imperfect data.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

This announcement serves as public notice. Applications will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
Vacancies may be filled up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. You may not receive notification of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
STEM position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Managements delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens.
Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees selected under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service.
Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for other important information.
You must submit a resume (2 page maximum) that shows your name and contact information and includes full TO and FROM dates (month/day/year) for each position you describe. Include your grade if your position is federal.

Qualifications

To meet Minimum Qualifications for this Data Scientist position you must demonstrate:

(1) the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal 1560 series AND

(2) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience

(1) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR) (All Applicants)

A. Successful completion of a course of study in an accredited college or university resulting in a degree in one of the following: 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.

B. A combination of education and experience that includes successful completion of courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or a field directly related to the position, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

Individual Occupational Requirements must be demonstrated even if you currently hold, or have previously held, a position in this series in the federal government.

Transcripts are required to substantiate claimed education

SEE EDUCATION BELOW -- Applicants who dont demonstrate these requirements will not be considered.

(2) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-13 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-13 or above.

Specialized Experience is work that primarily consists of:

(1) Leading the development and improvement of enterprise data pipelines using SQL and Python; AND

(2) Providing guidance on data architecture, data security, and complex data issues; AND

(3) Managing the evaluation, integration, and automation of new data sources.

If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it.

Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you dont describe.

Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (IOR and Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Information on this job series can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/data-science-series-1560/

Education

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met and demonstrated by all applicants (see QUALIFICATIONS), even if you already hold a position in the federal 1530 series.

Submit a copy of your full transcript showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and your degree AND/OR completion of *creditable course). If you attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended.

Transcripts that do not show that a Degree was conferred cannot be considered to have resulted in a Degree. Check your transcript to be sure this information is shown.

Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum you are advised to highlight qualifying courses on your transcript to ensure that consideration is given.

APPLICATIONS WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.

DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for your degree or completed courses. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. You must upload your transcripts as part of your application. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.

Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.

Additional information

STEM position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Managements delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this Direct Hire Authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current federal employees will be given a new appointment to the civil service, if selected. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .

If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.

See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for position.

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS).

This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) may be authorized.

Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment.

Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.

Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).

This is a moderate-risk public trust position. You may be required to complete SF-85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions to have the appropriate investigation conducted.

Position is assigned to:

Risk and Quality

Program Integrity, Risk and Fraud Prevention (PIRFP)

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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.

Benefits

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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.

Review our 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 experience you describe in your resume as well as the education supported by the transcripts you submit.

Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe your experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe specific duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.

If your resume doesnt clearly describe the duties you perform that demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you will lose consideration for this position.

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed, even if you hold (or held) a position in this series.

The experience you claim is subject to verification by the selecting official.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPT MUST DEMONSTRATE.

Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103033

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

Applicants who demonstrate the IOR and Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following *Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review

Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.

PRIORITY SELECTION:

Well-Qualified ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below).

Veterans Preference is not considered under Direct Hire.

See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

Benefits

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Review our benefits

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

Resume - all applicants

Transcripts - all applicants (may need to submit more than one to demonstrate required courses and/or degree)

SF-50 - recommended for all current and former federal employees (to assist in proper pay setting, if selected)

ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below)

DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.

RESUME: You must submit a resume (2 page maximum) that shows:

- your name and contact information
- relevant education
-employer name and position
- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.

If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.

Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.

Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe specific duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.

TRANSCRIPT: see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections for information on what you must demonstrate. Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum you are advised to highlight qualifying courses on your transcript to ensure that consideration is given.

SF-50 - recommended for all current or former federal employees

ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan) -- only applies to competitive service employees who have been RIFd from another federal agency. The duty station from which you were RIFd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying

To demonstrate eligibility, ICTAP-applicants must provide:

- a copy of the separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
- a copy of the RIF Notice (If the RIF Notice doesnt provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least fully successful)

For more information see Career Transition (opm.gov)

Priority selection will be granted based on the documents received.

How to Apply

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BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION, BE SURE YOUR RESUME DEMONSTRATES THE REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.

(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account

(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct

(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents

(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process

(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND

(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).

READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) November 13, 2026 and must include:

(1) responses to online questionnaire

(2) uploaded resume*

(3) uploaded transcript(s)

(4) uploaded SF-50(s), if applicable

(5) ICTAP documents, if applicable

To meet qualification requirements, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections..

The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.

We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.

Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories

Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.

If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If youre still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email HR.STAFFING2.TEAM7.MAILBOX@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "APPLICATION ISSUE 1310 3033 TS" and provide details of the difficulties youre experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.

Agency contact information

HR Staffing - Team Seven

Email HR.Staffing2.Team7.Mailbox@ssa.gov Address Risk and Quality

6401 Security Blvd

Baltimore, MD 21207

Next steps

Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA.HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notification or job offers.

No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.

If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.

You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and that all your documents have been properly submitted.

After applications are screened by HR, eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring office for consideration.

Vacancies may be filled up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. You may not receive notification of your referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.

INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.

HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.

For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.

Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 6 months.

After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

Resume - all applicants

Transcripts - all applicants (may need to submit more than one to demonstrate required courses and/or degree)

SF-50 - recommended for all current and former federal employees (to assist in proper pay setting, if selected)

ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below)

DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.

RESUME: You must submit a resume (2 page maximum) that shows:

- your name and contact information
- relevant education
-employer name and position
- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.

If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.

Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.

See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.

SF-50 - recommended for all current or former federal employees

To demonstrate eligibility, ICTAP-applicants must provide:

- a copy of the separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
- a copy of the RIF Notice (If the RIF Notice doesnt provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least fully successful)

For more information see Career Transition (opm.gov)

Priority selection will be granted based on the documents received.

How to Apply

Help

BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION, BE SURE YOUR RESUME DEMONSTRATES THE REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.

(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account

(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct

(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents

(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process

(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND

(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).

READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) November 13, 2026 and must include:

(1) responses to online questionnaire

(2) uploaded resume*

(3) uploaded transcript(s)

(4) uploaded SF-50(s), if applicable

(5) ICTAP documents, if applicable

To meet qualification requirements, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections..

The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.

We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.

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