NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Computer Scientist to join our team!
This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 250 applications are received or March 28, 2023, whichever comes first.
Summary
NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Computer Scientist to join our team!
This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 250 applications are received or March 28, 2023, whichever comes first.
U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).
ZP-III: The candidate selected will support programs of basic and applied research in Trustworthy and Responsible AI that result in demonstrable advancements in the research and evaluation communities. Contributes to NIST research in measurement science and development of standards and support projects in machine learning, deep reinforcement learning, brain-inspired algorithms, learning with memories, knowledge representation and reasoning, symbolic and trainable logic, casual inference, knowledge induction, computer vision, NLP, and question answering for next generation AI. Supports coordination activities with government and industry to develop standards, guidelines, and reference implementations for Trustworthy and Responsible AI. Scope includes: evaluation of socio-technical systems and related impacts on society, governance processes, AI system trustworthiness, AI accountability, AI system validity and reliability, AI bias and fairness, explainable AI, secure and resilient AI, AI privacy.
ZP-IV: The candidate selected will lead and conduct basic and applied research and develop algorithmic methods and computer code for evaluation-driven research in Trustworthy and Responsible AI that result in demonstrable advancements in the research and evaluation communities. Conducts NIST research in measurement science and development of standards and support projects in machine learning, deep reinforcement learning, brain-inspired algorithms, learning with memories, knowledge representation and reasoning, symbolic and trainable logic, casual inference, knowledge induction, computer vision, NLP, and question answering for next generation AI. Coordinates with government and industry to develop standards, guidelines, and reference implementations for Trustworthy and Responsible AI. Scope includes: evaluation of socio-technical systems and related impacts on society, governance processes, AI system trustworthiness, AI accountability, AI system validity and reliability, AI bias and fairness, explainable AI, secure and resilient AI, AI privacy
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
FOR ZP-3: In addition to the above basic requirements: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of the specialized experience at the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience researching the science and technology of AI and its risks and impacts; experience with machine learning, reinforcement learning and/or deep learning methods. Experience with effective written and oral communication to explain, justify, or discuss a variety of public issues.
OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR
Combination of education and experience.
FOR ZP-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of the specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience evaluating and analyzing complex, high-dimensionality data based on machine learning, reinforcement learning or deep learning methods; and with data-driven models of human behavior. Experience with effectively communicating complex technical material and topics related to AI using language appropriate to specialists and/or non-specialists, facilitating the formulation of a decision.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.
The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.
Additional information
This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here!
Trial period for the length of the term appointment.
Position may be converted to a competitive service position without further competition, and position may be extended for up to 6 years.
We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
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 such as:
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.
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.
We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position.
All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked and veteran's preference does not apply.
CTAP and ICTAP Eligibility: To be eligible for CTAP or ICTAP consideration, you must submit the required documents to establish eligibility (see required documents) and meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be contacted to provide a response to assessment questions related to the position. To be considered CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you must receive a well-qualified score of at least 85 of out 100 on your assessment responses. Additional information may be found at: CTAP/ICTAP.
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.
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.
In addition to your resume, transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Failure to submit required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a four-step process on how to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. We'll automatically save progress made as you go, so any changes won't be lost.
- If experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance.
- If having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.
- If experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply on-line, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Information Technology Laboratory
100 Bureau Drive
Building 225/Room B266
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US
Next steps
To check the status of this vacancy, log into USAJOBS account and select the 'Application Status' link. We will update applicant statuses when:
- A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
- Applications are referred to the selecting official.
- A selection decision has been made.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In addition to your resume, transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
Failure to submit required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a four-step process on how to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. We'll automatically save progress made as you go, so any changes won't be lost.
- If experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance.
- If having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.
- If experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply on-line, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Information Technology Laboratory
100 Bureau Drive
Building 225/Room B266
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
US
Next steps
To check the status of this vacancy, log into USAJOBS account and select the 'Application Status' link. We will update applicant statuses when:
- A qualification determination is made. If found not qualified/eligible, no additional updates will be provided.
- Applications are referred to the selecting official.
- A selection decision has been made.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
