RF Systems Data Scientist

RF Systems Data Scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) applies machine learning, signal processing, and statistics to RF systems testing and spectrum science, transforming measurement data into actionable insights to strengthen communications technologies and scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of data processing and analysis for research projects in radio frequency (RF) systems testing and spectrum science.
• Design and implement statistical methods, machine learning models, and signal processing algorithms.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis and create data visualizations to translate complex measurement data into clear, understandable narratives.
• Build automated workflows to clean, integrate, and manage data.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary NIST research engineers and scientists, ensuring data integrity and statistical rigor across high-impact research initiatives.
• Contribute to technical reports, present briefings to sponsors, and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific conferences and journals.
• Travel to represent CTL at training, professional conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No
• 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.
• 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.
• One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience applying statistical methods to analyze scientific or engineering data, developing data visualizations, and processing or analyzing research or experimental data.
• Master's or equivalent graduate degree
• C. Combination of education and experience: Combination of education and experience (including volunteer work) ... You will receive credit for all qualifying experience.

Eligibility

• The public
• Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants
• U.S. Citizens

Overview

Location: Boulder, CO (onsite).

Telework eligible: Yes, as determined by agency policy. Remote job: No.

Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes, relocation expenses may be reimbursed according to agency policy.

Salary: USD 83,265 - 129,742 per year.

Pay scale & grade: ZP 3; Promotion potential: 4.

Work schedule: Full-time.

Travel required: Occasional travel for domestic conferences, scientific collaboration, and training.

Appointment type: Term - 2 years.

Occupations and job series: 1560 Data Science Series.

Supervisory status: No.

Federal service type: Competitive Service.

Represented by a union: No.

Drug test: No. Security clearance: Not Required. Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk. Background check type: Suitability/Fitness. Financial disclosure required: No.

Agency Contact Information

Lauren Beyer

Email: [email protected]

Address: Spectrum Technology and Research Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, US

Additional Information

• This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!
• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
• A trial period may be required.
• The position may be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.
• The trial period is for the duration of the term appointment.
• The term may be extended for up to 6-years.
• NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities.