Data Scientist

Full Job Description

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud.

As a Data Scientist, you will gather and analyze facts, determine the accuracy of data, apply technical proficiency in using current software functionality, and research ways to improve production and/or increase the quality of the work product.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 03/04/2026.

Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants.

This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority to recruit for positions for which the Department of Homeland Security, U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services, has a critical hiring need.

Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic requirements: (Must be supported in Transcripts from an accredited institution, Resume and/or Applicable Certificate) 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.

Selective Placement Factor: You must have experience working with programming languages such as: SQL, R, Python, SAS, SPSS or Stata to conduct statistical analyses, query or integrate data sets.

This experience must be documented in your resume. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

GS-14: You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position.

You must have experience performing the following duties: Using technical programming and data analysis tools to derive insights from large and varied data sets; Applying statistical methods in analytical projects to produce recommendations for improvements to agency programs; Leading cross-functional teams to design and implement data-driven solutions that address organizational challenges and support strategic decision-making; and, Communicating analytical findings or technical concepts to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders through clear reports, presentations, or briefings.

Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 03/04/2026.

Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement.

Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education.

Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.

To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point.

Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.

Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Duties (be specific in describing your duties) Employer's name and address Supervisor name and phone number Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g.

June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.

Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.

Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history.

This information will be further validated if selected for this position.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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 criteria 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 service. Major Duties:

• Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, within Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, HQFDNS and are assigned based on the need of the agency.
• Apply statistical theories, procedures, and techniques to design analyses and studies of the agency's programs, operations, and databases to produce valid and reliable threat and vulnerability assessments.
• Lead efforts to prioritize and collect specialized data sets from restricted and readily available sources required to create visualization products (e.g., dashboards) using information technology resources.
• Evaluate and produce recommendations for selecting the appropriate algorithms to most efficiently address a problem when working with large data sets or in resource-constrained environments.
• Evaluate alternatives to determine the most appropriate and feasible methodology for studying immigration data efficiently and reliably, including developing new or modified techniques, procedures, or tools to better highlight trends and findings.
• Serve as a technical expert and consultant in analytical projects by: representing FDNS and/or the agency at meetings and conferences; coordinating with subject matter experts to resolve novel research problems; and provide training to staff.
• Coordinate with information technology and contractor resources and staff on a frequent basis to assist with implementing new policies and tasks associated with enhanced data validation and processing