Data Scientist

Lead AI and data science work supporting safe, responsible innovation across U.S. surface transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction across the full lifecycle of data science and statistical analysis to support national AI adoption, including planning and operationalization.
• Plan and execute national research, development, and deployment activities, including technical assistance to integrate advanced analytics and AI into highway research and deployment processes.
• Lead technology research, development, and deployment in areas including:
  • Advanced data science and analytics
  • AI transportation applications
  • AI assurance and data governance
  • Advanced simulation and modeling techniques
  • Statistical modeling
• Design and deliver technical assistance on original experimental frameworks for data collection and conduct difficult research evaluating statistical properties of complex sample designs.
• Apply expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and natural language processing to identify insights from large, disparate transportation datasets.
• Develop new computational algorithms and statistical modeling approaches to address unprecedented problems aligned to FHWA mobility, safety, and infrastructure goals.
• Provide standardized guidance for applications and AI models, including risk considerations, testing and evaluation, governance issues, and security for transportation infrastructure owners and operators nationwide.
• Act as principal expert for applying data science and AI, including authoritative technical support for testing, evaluation, and post-deployment maintenance of AI in the transportation environment.
• Adapt and innovate mathematical methods for statistical processes; direct advanced analysis and modeling/simulation initiatives; establish standards for performance and risk assurance.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), including preparing detailed research prospectuses, monitoring contract performance, and reviewing data science deliverables.
• Lead strategic partnerships with senior leadership across external organizations, including State DOTs and academia, to establish a national research and technology agenda and prioritize deployment work.
• Provide authoritative direction for nationwide transfer of innovative AI and statistical methods into critical highway practices and policy.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship and meeting specialized experience to qualify.
• Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or related field, or 30 semester hours (with additional education/experience combination described in the listing).
• Degree/education must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting institution to count toward qualifications.
• Background/eligibility requirements include:
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered.
  • Travel card: travel is involved; a government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • Background investigation: required; appointment is subject to successful completion and favorable adjudication.
  • Probationary period: you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • PCS/relocation/incentive: authorization varies by position/selection; a service agreement may be required.
• Direct Hire Authority may be used to fill the position; traditional rating/ranking, Veterans’ Preference, and the “Rule of Many” do not apply.
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date.

Minimum GS-13 specialized experience (listing details apply): at least one year equivalent to GS-12 including leading research and design of AI tools and computer-learning software; overseeing data management procedures to maintain data quality/accuracy across multiple integrated enterprise systems; and explaining technical data science/AI topics through writing project reports and providing pr… (truncated in source).

Minimum GS-14 specialized experience (listing details apply): at least one year equivalent to GS-13 including directing an organization-wide R&D program to design, test, and deploy AI software and data science models; developing and implementing enterprise data management policies across organizational divisions to ensure data quality, system security, and long-term performance targets; and ex… (truncated in source).

Technologies

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Machine learning
• Data engineering
• Natural language processing
• Statistical modeling
• Computer-learning software
• Simulation and modeling techniques

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for federal employees (eligibility depends on position type).
• Learn more about federal benefits (link provided in listing).

How You’ll Be Evaluated

• Phase I: resume review for technical qualifications based on required specialized experience; ONLY two (2) pages reviewed.
• Phase II: rating based on KSAs/Competencies by a Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• KSAs include: Artificial Intelligence, Research, Technical Credibility, Customer Service.

Required Documents

• Resume: maximum two (2) pages; must include employment beginning/ending dates, full- or part-time status, and position titles (and series/grade if Federal).
• Transcripts: required.
• Current or former federal applicants: submit SF-50 documentation proving highest competitive grade, federal eligibility, and 52-week time-in-grade requirement.
• Displaced employees (CTAP/ICTAP): provide most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and most current SF-50.
• Submit all required details and documents by the closing date.

Application Notes

• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Uploading documents to USAJobs does not automatically attach them to the application; verify successful transfer before final submission.
• If difficulty applying online, contact DOT Automated Staffing Office via [email protected].