Applied AI Program Coordinator & Strategic Analyst

Summary NIST seeks an Applied AI Program Coordinator to lead research in critical technologies. This role drives AI solutions for manufacturing and cybersecurity. Key duties include strategic analysis of trustworthy AI, international technical oversight, and transitioning technologies to industry partners. 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 the Level IV Applied AI Program Coordinator & Strategic Analyst, you will spearhead NIST's applied AI initiatives, driving technical innovation and strategic oversight to ensure leadership in cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. Program Leadership: Serves as the program coordinator and lead researcher for NIST's applied AI efforts in critical and emerging technologies, specifically manufacturing and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Technical Development: Researches and develops solutions to overcome obstacles in applied AI to maintain U.S. industry leadership. Strategic Analysis: Executes strategic and technical assessments regarding trustworthy artificial intelligence. Coordination & Oversight: Provides technical oversight and input on AI matters, international engagement, and agency processes. Strategic Liaison: Acts as the primary liaison for transitioning key technologies to industry and other agencies to ensure impactful results. As the Level V Applied AI Program Coordinator & Strategic Analyst, you will provide the overarching vision and strategic leadership for NIST's critical technology initiatives, driving the implementation of trustworthy artificial intelligence and fostering global partnerships to secure industrial and infrastructure resilience. Strategic Leadership: Leads NIST's efforts in applied AI across critical and emerging technologies, with a primary focus on manufacturing and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Visionary Analysis: Provides the long-term vision for and executes complex strategic and technical analyses of trustworthy artificial intelligence. Agency Coordination: Leads, implements, and coordinates technical input on AI matters, international engagement strategies, and the integration of new technology into agency processes. Technology Transition: Serves as the primary point of contact for transitioning key technologies to industry partners and other government agencies to achieve high-impact results. 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: Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. 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). The specialized experience is defined as: Experience in researching and applying measurement science in artificial intelligence to solve key challenges in high-priority critical and emerging technology areas, such as manufacturing or cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Experience in developing guidelines, pilot implementations, and standards for key artificial intelligence topics. Experience in transitioning key research to the U.S. industry to enable high-impact results. 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). The specialized experience is defined as: Experience in leading research and measurement science in artificial intelligence to solve key challenges in high-priority critical and emerging technology areas, such as manufacturing or cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Experience in executing guidelines, pilot implementations, and standards for key artificial intelligence topics. Experience in transitioning key research to the U.S. industry to enable high-impact results. 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.