Data Scientist

Federal Highway Administration

McLean, VA

JobSummary

This position is located within the Office of Research, Development, and Technology (HRT) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). HRT leads a nationally coordinated highway research and technology program to enable improved safety, durability, resilience & operational performance of the Nation's highway system; champions the advancement of highway innovation in support of strategic goals & objectives; & provides expert technical assistance on matters of national importance.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

OrganizationCodes

TD/TD04

Relocation

True

HiringPath

fed-transition
public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

Real solutions to meet genuine challenges. Innovative ideas to take on growing realities. That's the Federal Highway Administration - Leaders in Paving the Way on the Road to Success. The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://jobs.monstergovt.com/dot/ros/rosDashboard.hms?O=2&J=92605

DetailStatusUrl

https://jobs.monstergovt.com/dot/ros/rosDashboard.hms?O=2&J=92605&S=1

MajorDuties

As a Data Scientist you will: Directs all phases of the data science and statistical analysis process, including problem definition, research design, and high-level data collection strategies. Plans and executes national studies and system designs to integrate advanced analytical methods and AI into highway research and vital business processes. Leads the research and development of new technologies related to: (1) advanced data science and analytics; (2) AI transportation applications; (3) AI assurance and data governance; (4) advanced simulation and modeling techniques; and (5) statistical modeling. Designs original experimental frameworks for data collection and performs exceptionally difficult research to evaluate the statistical properties of complex sample designs. Serves as the principle expert on the application of data science and AI, providing authoritative technical support for the testing, evaluation, and post-deployment maintenance of AI in the transportation environment. Adapts and innovates mathematical methods for statistical processes and directs advanced simulation and modeling initiatives. Leads and directs strategic partnerships with senior leadership in external organizations, including State DOTs and academia, to establish a national research and technology agenda. Provides authoritative direction in the nationwide transfer of innovative AI and statistical methods, ensuring the integration of advanced data science advancements into critical highway practices and policy. Serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), preparing detailed research prospectuses, monitoring contract performance, and reviewing deliverables for data science projects. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across advanced data science lifecycles, analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They have a proven track record of researching and developing emerging technologies, leading cross-functional initiatives, and effectively engaging diverse stakeholders. This individual demonstrates exceptional analytical and research capabilities, leveraging rigorous evaluation to solve complex challenges and drive organizational objectives.

Education

Basic Requirements: 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 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.

Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.

Evaluations

For this announcement, applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the basic qualifications for this position. The applications of individuals who meet the basic qualifications will be assessed to validate that the applicant possesses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the level of proficiency needed to perform the job successfully. Applicants who are found to possess the necessary KSAs to perform the job may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

HowToApply

You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting. Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire. You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/ If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov

WhatToExpectNext

You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications". Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist may evaluate your application. If evaluated, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.

RequiredDocuments

RESUME: In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application. These should be legible and in a readable font size. A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages. Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time, or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level. The resume should show relevant experience and education, as well as support the required specialized experience. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to TRANSCRIPTS are REQUIRED if there is a stated education requirement for the series OR if you are substituting education for experience. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements. DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the standards for this vacancy and provide all of the following documents: your most recent performance appraisal, the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade. Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager. For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition. Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/

OtherInformation

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This position will require COR certification at a later date.

KeyRequirements