Mathematical Statistician

Summary Join NIST as a Lead Mathematical Statistician to integrate state-of-the-art statistical design and data science into the nation's measurement infrastructure. Collaborate within the Statistical Engineering Division, applying machine learning and advanced modeling to solve complex challenges in AI, semiconductors, materials research, and more. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Learn more about this agency Duties As a ZP-IV Lead Mathematical Statistician, you will independently drive the planning and execution of NIST's state-of-the-art foundational and applied statistical core measurement services. You will serve as a technical expert, integrating advanced data science and machine learning into the nation's measurement infrastructure to support cutting-edge research across artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and communications technology. Strategic Oversight: Independently lead the planning, direction, and timely delivery of foundational and applied statistics core measurement services, including statistical design, modeling, and computing. Advanced Methodological Application: Utilize state-of-the-art data science models, machine learning, and spectral analysis to solve complex metrology challenges in AI, materials research, and semiconductors. Collaborative Research: Partner with NIST scientists to investigate and enhance the performance of existing measurement methods while spearheading the development of innovative new procedures. Initiate New Partnerships: Proactively identify opportunities for statistical methods to enhance scientific projects and establish formal collaborative research goals and objectives. Independent Innovation: Conduct high-level interdisciplinary research and manage software development projects to provide computational tools that support the broader NIST mission in statistical metrology. As a ZP-V Lead Mathematical Statistician, you will provide expert technical and professional leadership in the planning and execution of NIST's foundational and applied statistics services. In addition to conducting high-level interdisciplinary research, you will serve as a mentor to staff and a strategic partner to Division management, driving the development of new methodologies and ensuring that statistical initiatives align with Operating Unit (OU) and agency-wide goals. Strategic Technical Leadership: Independently oversee the planning, direction, and execution of state-of-the-art foundational and applied statistics to support core measurement service capabilities. Advanced Metrology Application: Lead the use of advanced data science, machine learning, and statistical modeling to address complex challenges in AI, semiconductors, and materials research. Scientific Collaboration & Innovation: Partner with NIST scientists to research and improve measurement methods and spearhead the development of new collaborative projects and objectives. Staff Mentoring & Development: Provide professional leadership by supporting the growth and mentoring of new staff members to build technical capacity within the Division. Service Delivery Improvement: Drive the development and implementation of innovative methods to improve the delivery of Division products and services. Mission & Agency Alignment: Collaborate with Division management to align statistical metrology research and software development with Division, OU, and agency-level strategic needs. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications Basic Requirements: A. Degree: that included 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, of which at least 12 semester hours were in mathematics and 6 semester hours were in statistics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- at least 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, including at least 12 hours in mathematics and 6 hours in statistics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. For ZP-IV: In addition to the above 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: Experience participating in collaborative physical science, demonstrated through a record of joint publications in peer-reviewed scientific and statistical literature. Experience explaining technical concepts or research findings to peers, stakeholders, or students through presentations, briefings, or instructional assistance. Experience in assisting with developing and publishing original algorithms and stand-alone statistical software tools (e.g., [R/Python/Stan]) that support research by the scientific community. For ZP-V: In addition to the above basic 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: Experience leading collaborative research in the physical sciences, demonstrated through a strong record of joint publications in peer-reviewed scientific and statistical literature that contribute to the field. Experience in the planning, proposal preparation, and technical management of complex projects, specifically focusing on the application of advanced statistical models to meet organizational goals. Experience in the professional development of others, including teaching and the direct mentoring of professional staff to enhance the technical capabilities of the organization. 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 Education This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.