Applied AI Technical Lead & Strategic Analyst; Information Technology Laboratory), ZP--IV​/V

NIST seeks an Applied AI Technical Lead for research in critical technologies. This role drives AI solutions for manufacturing and cybersecurity. Key duties include strategic analysis of trustworthy AI, international technical oversight, and transitioning technologies to key partners. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

As the Level IV Applied AI Technical Lead & Strategic Analyst, you will spearhead the NIST Information Technology Laboratory's (ITL) applied AI initiatives, driving technical innovation and strategic oversight to ensure technical leadership in cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.

Technical Lead:
Lead researcher for ITL's applied AI efforts in critical and emerging technologies, specifically manufacturing and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

Technical Development:
Researches and develops solutions to overcome obstacles in applied AI to maintain U.S. industry leadership.

Strategic Analysis:
Executes strategic and technical assessments regarding trustworthy artificial intelligence.

Coordination & Oversight:
Provides technical oversight and input on AI matters, international engagement, and agency processes.

As the Level V Applied AI Technical Lead & Strategic Analyst, you will provide the overarching vision and strategic leadership for the Information Technology Laboratory's (ITL) critical technology initiatives, driving the implementation of trustworthy artificial intelligence and fostering global partnerships to secure industrial and infrastructure resilience.

Strategic Leadership:
Directs ITL's efforts in applied AI across critical and emerging technologies, with a primary focus on manufacturing and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

Visionary Analysis:
Provides the long‑term vision for and executes complex strategic and technical analyses of trustworthy artificial intelligence.

Agency Coordination:
Plans, implements, and coordinates technical input on AI matters, international engagement strategies, and the integration of new technology into agency processes.

Technology Transition:
Serves as the primary point of contact for transitioning key technologies to key partners to achieve high‑impact results.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a 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 coursework must be from accredited or pre‑accredited institutions.

For ZP‑IV:

• One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑12 level.
• Experience in researching and applying measurement science in artificial intelligence to solve key challenges in high‑priority critical and emerging technology areas, such as manufacturing or cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
• Experience in developing guidelines, pilot implementations, and standards for key artificial intelligence topics.
• Experience in transitioning key research to the U.S. industry to enable high‑impact results.

For ZP‑V:

• One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑14 level.
• Experience in leading research and measurement science in artificial intelligence to solve key challenges in high‑priority critical and emerging technology areas, such as manufacturing or cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
• Experience in executing guidelines, pilot implementations, and standards for key artificial intelligence topics.
• Experience in transitioning key research to the U.S. industry to enable high‑impact results.
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) 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 in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site:
Applicant Reconsideration.