Summary
NSA's Mathematics Research Group conducts world-class mathematical research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC). We are actively seeking mathematicians to join our Mathematics Research Group. The Group focuses on mathematics research in the applications of a wide range of technical areas.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Duties
Responsibilities may include:
- Analyze problems and determine procedures required to solve technical problems;
- Create computer algorithms, data models, and protocols;
- Identify new applications of known techniques;
- Analyze data, algorithms, and communication protocols using mathematical/statistical methods;
- Develop and apply mathematical or computational methods and lines of reasoning;
- Design, develop and debug software solutions;
- Create and maintain documentation on research processes, analyses and/or the results;
- Write logical and accurate technical reports to communicate ideas;
- Effectively instruct, mentor, and support the professional development of colleagues in the areas of technical expertise.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Experience may also include, network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering. Leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
EXPERT
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of experience.
Additional information
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $132,751 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Qualified applicants will have a strong technical background in a computational science discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Statistics, Data or Computer Science) and research experience in mathematical analysis of large data sets. Experience in operational areas is a plus.
Exceptional candidates will have experience applying machine learning methods, including but not limited to a subset of deep learning, reinforcement learning, ensemble methods, and large scale graph analytics. Significant programming experience, especially working with large data sets (e.g., Python, Tensorflow, R, Java, C/C++, and/or other data processing frameworks) is preferred.
The ideal candidate is someone with excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, who possesses a range of knowledge and experience with:
- Applying principles and methods of linear algebra (e.g., vector spaces, matrices, matrix manipulations) to solve complex problems;
- Applying the mathematical principles, combinatorial methods or elicitation techniques to determine or calculate the likelihood of outcomes;
- Quantifying the likelihood of an event's occurrence;
- The scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct research studies (e.g., study design, data collection and analysis, and reporting results);
- Applying data-analytic techniques to analyze, visualize, and summarize sample data from populations;
- Drawing inferences regarding populations based on results from sample data.
- Concepts and procedures for applying algorithm design techniques (e.g., data structures, dynamic programming, backtracking, heuristics, and modeling) to design correct, efficient, and implementable algorithms for real-world problems;
- Debugging and testing software programs;
- Using best programming practices (e.g., appropriate coding standards, algorithm efficiencies, coding documentation);
- Using principles, techniques, procedures, and tools that facilitate the development of software applications;
- Using software and computer languages and skills (e.g., writing code, debugging/testing programs, fixing syntax, correcting logic errors, using abstract data types) to develop programs that meet technical requirements
Required Documents
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.