RF Systems Data Scientist

Summary

NIST is seeking a Data Scientist to advance RF systems testing and spectrum science by applying machine learning, signal processing, and statistical analysis to transform complex measurement data into actionable insights that strengthen communications technologies and scientific research. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

NIST is seeking a Data Scientist to advance RF systems testing and spectrum science by applying machine learning, signal processing, and statistical analysis to transform complex measurement data into actionable insights that strengthen communications technologies and scientific research. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

In this role, you will:

• Take ownership of data processing and analysis for research projects in radio frequency (RF) systems testing and spectrum science.
• Design and implement statistical methods, machine learning models, and signal processing algorithms.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis and create data visualizations to translate complex measurement data into clear, understandable narratives.
• Build automated workflows to clean, integrate, and manage data.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary NIST research engineers and scientists, ensuring data integrity and statistical rigor across high-impact research initiatives.
• Contribute to technical reports, present briefings to sponsors, and publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific conferences and journals.
• Travel to represent CTL at training, professional conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

BASIC Requirements:

A. Degree:
Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position. OR

B. Combination of education and experience:
Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify:

A. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience applying statistical methods to analyze scientific or engineering data, developing data visualizations, and processing or analyzing research or experimental data. OR

B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR

C. Combination of education and experience 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