What are the responsibilities and job description for the Applied Research Mathematician - Experienced Level (MD Location) position at National Security Agency (NSA)?
In particular, The Mathematics Research Group is seeking candidates with advanced degrees in mathematics and statistics who have research experience in their chosen fields. Applicants with advanced degrees in related fields such as Physics, Computer Science, and Data Science with strong mathematical backgrounds will be considered. The ideal candidate will have experience performing research, either alone or with a team in their area of expertise. The nature of NSA mathematics is highly computational, therefore computer programing/scripting experience in one or more languages will be of great benefit to the ideal candidate.
NSA's Mathematics Research Group conducts world-class mathematical research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC). We are actively seeking mathematicians to join our Mathematics Research Group. The Group focuses on mathematics research in the applications of a wide range of technical areas, including cryptanalysis, cryptography, vulnerability research, machine learning, statistical analysis, machine learning security, network defense, digital forensics, and graph algorithms.
In particular, The Mathematics Research Group is seeking candidates with advanced degrees in mathematics and statistics who have research experience in their chosen fields. Applicants with advanced degrees in related fields such as Physics, Computer Science, and Data Science with strong mathematical backgrounds will be considered. The ideal candidate will have experience performing research, either alone or with a team in their area of expertise. The nature of NSA mathematics is highly computational, therefore computer programing/scripting experience in one or more languages will be of great benefit to the ideal candidate.
NSA conducts world-class mathematical research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC).
We are actively seeking experienced mathematicians with diverse subject matter expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence research
- Adversarial machine learning, knowledge graphs, ontologies, content triage, explainable AI, human machine learning, visualization
- Advanced analytical algorithms, programming, software engineering
- High performance computing, advanced analytical algorithms, computer programming, data structures, dynamic programming, backtracking, heuristics, and modeling
- Software engineering, computer network security, vulnerability analysis
- Cryptanalytic attacks, cryptographic methods, cryptomathematics,
- Linear algebra, number theory, probability, mathematical statistics, optimization, calculus and analysis, discrete mathematics, computational mathematics
- Quantum computing technology or algorithms
- Experience with at least one of the following programming languages and/or software packages is desirable: C/C , Rust, Python, SageMath, MAGMA.
As an Applied Research Mathematician, you will enjoy cutting-edge work on projects that involve the development and application of methods from analytic solutions, algorithms, cryptanalysis, cryptographic design and implementation, coding theory, number theory, discrete mathematics, statistics, probability, and many other subjects.
The ideal candidate must have a grounded background in mathematical tools, techniques, and theory; a drive to apply that knowledge to complex and often ambiguous real-world situations; an ability to prototype and implement solutions in computer code/scripting; and a desire to stretch outside the comfort zone in a career that offers lifelong learning opportunities.
Relevant experience should include a strong record of research in mathematics or a related field. This record may be demonstrated in multiple ways, from publishing in leading academic journals to delivering operational solutions to technical problems for customers from government or industry. A PhD is not required, although the successful candidate will have acquired a commensurate level of experience and mastery in some area of the mathematical sciences. Experience guiding the research of junior colleagues will be looked upon favorably, such as experience setting projects, helping colleagues build up the necessary background to attack the problem, directing the research, and providing advice on disseminating the results. A demonstrated track record of effective technical writing and the ability to further explain results to a non-technical audience is desirable.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information.
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. This position is hiring for Maryland.
Salary Range: $137,873 - $183,500 (Senior, Expert).
Advancement:
Cross-organizational mentoring is highly encouraged and readily available for all employees. Training is available through: continuing education classes provided by our internal school, vendor training, and a variety of tuition assistance programs. You can also take advantage of work assignment or travel opportunities, both stateside and abroad, or direct engagements with other Intelligence Community agencies.
Work/Life Balance:
As Federal employees, job security is unmatched. In addition, our employees enjoy: relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, free onsite fitness centers at many locations, available paid personal fitness time within your normal work schedule, flexible health and life insurance, Federal retirement pension, matching employee retirement contributions to the Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for up to 5% of salary, and competitive pay.
Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).
The ideal candidate has excellent problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. The following knowledge and skills would also be useful:
- Knowledge of mathematical concepts, principles, and theories and familiarity with other scientific and engineering disciplines
- Knowledge of mathematics and related disciplines to design, develop and adapt scientific methods and technologies.
- Knowledge of analytical techniques to develop, simulate, and analyze data.
- Knowledge of computer operations and standard software applications.
- Ability to conduct research, including studies, experiments, and investigations.
- Ability to analyze data using appropriate tools.
- Ability to analyze problems to determine technical solutions.
- Experience creating computer algorithms, data models, and protocols.
- Ability to identify new applications of known techniques.
- Ability to analyze data using statistical methods.
- Ability to analyze new algorithms and protocols.
- Experience developing and applying mathematical or computational methods.
About the Company:
National Security Agency (NSA)
NSA is on a Mission to Hire 3,000 People!
The National Security Agency (NSA) has kicked off a massive talent search with a goal of hiring 3,000 new employees in 2023. Our work in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity is essential to protecting our families, friends, communities, service members, and ultimately, the nation.
There is a Place for You at NSA
NSA’s SIGINT mission collects intelligence about our foreign adversaries. Our cybersecurity mission safeguards critical U.S. information. Both of these duties demand a team of technical experts as well as business and HR professionals, linguists, intelligence analysts, communications specialists and more. We have career opportunities in 17 different fields, so there is truly something for everyone.
When You Take Care of the Nation, The Nation Takes Care of You
NSA supports its diverse workforce through benefits and opportunities that foster both work-life balance and career development. Along with a fantastic federal benefits package and a generous amount of paid time off, we also offer flexible schedules, relocation assistance, robust well-being services and countless opportunities to advance your career through training and mentorship.
There is Job Security in Protecting National Security
NSA’s work isn’t subject to market volatility or economic downturns. The threats to our nation never stop – and neither do we.
Visit IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA to learn about our mission and how you can have a rewarding career that safeguards the country’s future – and your own.
Company Size:
10,000 employees or more
Industry:
Government and Military
Founded:
1952
Website:
https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/
Salary : $137,873 - $183,500