What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Scientist position at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)?
Summary
DCSA's PEO (National Background Investigation Services (NBIS)) is looking for non-supervisory Data Scientist (Data Architect/Data Engineer/AI-ML Specialist). The incumbent will provide support, guidance and expertise in various Data Scientist functions. Performs a variety of duties that involve knowledge of a wide variety of Data Scientist applications, environments, and methods. Visit www.dcsa.mil - America's Gatekeeper!
Duties
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This position may be filled at either GG-9 or GG-11 grade level, please indicate the grade for which you want to be considered. Incumbent may be advanced non-competitively to the established target grade upon meeting developmental benchmarks, performance requirements, and other requirements, as applicable established for the career program or specifically for the incumbent.
As a Data Scientist you will be responsible for the following duties:
GG-09
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Conditions of employment
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Information Technology (IT) Management Series 2210 (Alternative A) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 01/20/2026
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
GG-09
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-07 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized Experience For This Position Includes:
Education
Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience -master's or equivalent graduate degree
or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related
GG-11
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-09 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized Experience For This Position Includes:
Education
Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience -Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.M., if related
Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies for the GG-09 & GG-11:
If substituting education for experience at the GG-09 level, you must possess a masters or equivalent degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. If substituting education for experience at the GG-11 level, you must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related.
If substituting or combining education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions.
If substituting education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:
https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.
For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.
ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Foundational certification in Engineering & Technical Management. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 3 years (36 months) after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)
Help
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.
DCSA's PEO (National Background Investigation Services (NBIS)) is looking for non-supervisory Data Scientist (Data Architect/Data Engineer/AI-ML Specialist). The incumbent will provide support, guidance and expertise in various Data Scientist functions. Performs a variety of duties that involve knowledge of a wide variety of Data Scientist applications, environments, and methods. Visit www.dcsa.mil - America's Gatekeeper!
Duties
Help
This position may be filled at either GG-9 or GG-11 grade level, please indicate the grade for which you want to be considered. Incumbent may be advanced non-competitively to the established target grade upon meeting developmental benchmarks, performance requirements, and other requirements, as applicable established for the career program or specifically for the incumbent.
As a Data Scientist you will be responsible for the following duties:
GG-09
- Identifies, collects and analyzes data to effectively support and advance projects or programs.
- Applies analytic methods such as regression, decision tree and statistical probability to improve data reliability and quality.
- Analyzes, interprets and correlates qualitative and quantitative data and develop recommended changes to improve results.
- Manages and plans sequence of operations on a regular basis for assigned elements.
- Implements strategies for system development and analysis, operational logistics, project funding/budgeting, project cost, schedule and performance management.
- Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and consistent reporting.
- Identifies, collects and analyzes data to effectively support and advance projects or programs.
- Applies analytic methods such as regression, decision tree and statistical probability to improve data reliability and quality.
- Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and consistent reporting.
- Inform management of anticipated revisions to theories, methodologies or procedures to satisfy non-standard complex program or project support of mission priorities.
- Engages in routine contact with high-ranking individuals or groups such as flag officers and senior executive service members from the DOD and Federal Agencies.
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Conditions of employment
- Must be a US citizen
- Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
- Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
- This is a Drug Testing designated position
- Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
- Work Schedule: Full Time
- Overtime: Occasionally
- Tour of Duty: Flexible
- PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
- Financial Disclosure: Not Required
- Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
- If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
- In accordance with DoDD 8140.01/DoDI 8140.02, the position compliance requirement details are outlined in the Defense Cyber Workforce Annex.
- Any Information Technology/Security certifications / education specified in the DCWF Annex as defined by DoD 8140-M within six months of appointment date.
- The incumbent must sign a Statement of Understanding regarding the certification requirements and maintaining the appropriate certification is a condition of employment.
- This position requires Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Foundational certification in Engineering and Technical Management.
- Applicants are expected to meet all related certification requirements per the Department of Defense Instruction 5000.66.
- Applicants that do not meet this requirement are eligible to be hired but must obtain a Engineering and Technical Management Foundational certification within 3 years (36 months) after the first day of starting in the position.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Information Technology (IT) Management Series 2210 (Alternative A) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 01/20/2026
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
GG-09
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-07 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized Experience For This Position Includes:
- Applying statistical/machine learning algorithms to analyze structured and unstructured data.
- Developing predictive data models, quantitative analyses, and targeting data sources.
- Use of statistical and general-purpose programming languages for data analysis.
Education
Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience -master's or equivalent graduate degree
or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related
GG-11
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-09 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized Experience For This Position Includes:
- Applying statistical/machine learning algorithms to analyze structured and unstructured data.
- Leading data analysis projects using predictive data models, quantitative analyses, and targeting data sources.
- Explain actionable insights from data analysis to senior management and key stakeholders within DCSA and/or the federal government.
Education
Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience -Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.M., if related
Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies for the GG-09 & GG-11:
- Data Mining - Computing process of discovering patterns in a large data set involving methods at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, and database systems.
- Data Management - Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data disposal, and data standardization processes.
- Software and Programming - Understand a variety of programming languages, data warehousing platforms, big data software, and version control applications.
- Qualitative / Quantitative Analysis - Developing and applying quantitative and qualitative analytic methods to identify, collect, process, and analyze large data sets.
If substituting education for experience at the GG-09 level, you must possess a masters or equivalent degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. If substituting education for experience at the GG-11 level, you must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related.
If substituting or combining education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Superior Academic Achievement does not apply to DCIPS positions.
If substituting education for experience, transcripts MUST be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link:
https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.
For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.
ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Foundational certification in Engineering & Technical Management. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 3 years (36 months) after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)
- DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Foundational certification in Engineering & Technical Management within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.
Help
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.