Data Scientist

This position is in the Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO), Office of Innovation (INN), Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The incumbent will serve as a Data Scientist, responsible for utilizing scientific methodologies, process, algorithms, and systems to extract insights from structured and unstructured data and to provide guidance for data-driven decision making in support of OIG investigations, audits, and inspections.

Typical assignments for GS-11/12/13 include: Extracting, cleaning, transforming, and organizing structured and semi-structured data (e.g., resolving inconsistencies, handling missing values, normalizing fields) to prepare datasets for analysis.

Applying descriptive statistics (e.g., counts, means, medians, standard deviations), inferential techniques (e.g., t-tests, chi-square tests) libraries or functions (e.g. in R or Python), or more advanced techniques (e.g., machine learning models, risk modeling) to address stakeholder questions and identify patterns, anomalies, or relationships in the data.

Building and updating dashboards, reports, and visualizations in tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms. Automating routine manual tasks (e.g., parsing large data files, merging files, recurring data quality checks, scheduled refreshes) to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Participating in discussions with auditors, investigators, inspectors, and other stakeholders to clarify data needs, understand business rules, refine analytical questions and translate stakeholder questions into concrete data tasks.

Minimum Qualifications GS-11: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Assisting with the application of statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.

Writing and modifying scripts with open-source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line) Creating or updating logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.

Contributing to written reports, data summaries, or presentation materials that describe analytical approaches and results for non-technical staff. Minimum Qualifications GS-12: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position includes: Applying a range of statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.

Utilizing open source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line).

Developing and implementing logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.

Preparing clear, well organized written products and delivering oral briefings that explain analytical methods, results, and implications to both technical and non-technical audiences or management. Minimum Qualifications GS-13: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position includes: Conducting statistical analysis to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.

Utilizing open-source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line.

Developing and implementing logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.

Preparing and delivering clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports and oral presentations that communicate complex technical data analyses, findings, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior management.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 08/26/2026 of this announcement. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.