AI Research Scientist, Applied Systems

Full Job Description

Building gold-standard AI requires gold-standard AI measurement. Within NIST, CAISI works in concert with the larger community of AI practitioners to advance AI measurement, security, and innovation.

The CAISI Applied Systems team is seeking a research scientist to design and execute rigorous research analyzing AI systems in real-world settings.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper.

If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations.

Basic Requirements: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

ZP-2210-IV: In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as advanced technical understanding of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models and machine learning (ML) algorithms; demonstrated experience analyzing and evaluating AI systems; a track record of authorship on high-quality, peer-reviewed research; experience capably carrying out rigorous, cutting-edge research from start to finish.

ZP-2210-V: In addition to the above requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as advanced technical understanding of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models and machine learning (ML) algorithms; demonstrated experience analyzing and evaluating AI systems; a track record of authorship on high-quality, peer-reviewed research; have not only contributed to, but designed and led rigorous, cutting-edge AI evaluation research from start to finish.

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 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 Major Duties:

In this position, you will: Identify new, impactful research areas and questions with a focus on evaluating AI systems in real settings, such as use in businesses, federal agencies, and other organizations.

Design and conduct rigorous evaluations and analyses, leveraging methodologies from a range of fields. Perform data analysis to synthesize and visualize research findings and evaluation results.

Develop guidelines and tooling that can be open-sourced to support good practice (e.g., in the federal government).

Adapt and improve existing evaluation techniques, and develop novel, rigorous techniques where needed. Write research publications and publicize findings via blog posts, guidance, and briefings.

Communicate complex AI topics and research findings in a compelling and clear manner to a range of audiences from subject matter experts to practitioners to non-technical decision makers.

Be a force multiplier, supporting work across the Applied Systems team and CAISI, mentoring new hires and interns, and contributing to an innovative and dynamic information environment.