CHIEF DATA SCIENTIST Job in District of Columbia, DC

Vacancy No. 26-JMD-OCIO-13042810-SL Department Offices, Boards and Divisions
Salary $151,661.00 to $228,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/24/2026 Close Date 9/8/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
District of Columbia, DC


CHIEF DATA SCIENTIST

Department of Justice
Offices, Boards and Divisions

Summary

The JMD Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) leads the DOJ's information technology (IT) and cybersecurity programs, setting strategic direction, driving innovation, and orchestrating IT operations, cybersecurity, and resource management within the OCIO and between OCIO and DOJ component agencies. The CIO has oversight responsibility for all IT acquisitions across the Department and IT budget requests of the Department's component agencies.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Clarification from the agency

This position is being advertised under delegated examining procedures and is open to all U.S. Citizens. Preference for eligible veterans will be applied.

Duties

*Note: This is a Senior Level position (SL). Most senior level employees are in non-executive positions whose duties are broad and complex enough to be classified above GS-15. The position duties are primarily leading teams and projects, and do not meet the SES functional criteria.

This position is located within the Justice Management Division-Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) DOJ Headquarters in Washington D.C.

OCIO is responsible for establishing DOJ-wide data and IT strategy in alignment with the priorities of the Attorney General and the President and in support of the broader law enforcement community; overseeing the engineering, design, acquisition, implementation, and operation of DOJ technology infrastructure and services, including IT processing facilities and telecommunications; establishing and maintaining Department-wide policies, standards, and procedures for data processing, automated information systems, and network security; and coordinating, planning, developing, implementing, and assessing major applications and office automation capabilities for DOJ end users.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the DOJ OCIO senior leader on enterprise data strategy, governance, and architecture, leading the development and implementation of data-driven solutions, advanced analytics, and technology innovation to support mission-critical operations, inform executive decision-making, and enhance organizational performance across DOJ OCIO.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Leading DOJ OCIO enterprise data strategy and governance to align data policies, standards, stewardship, and lifecycle practices with mission and organizational priorities.
  • Advising the CIO and senior leadership on data strategy, analytics, emerging technologies, risks, and opportunities to support mission-critical decisions.
  • Leading enterprise data architecture and modernization to provide secure, scalable, interoperable, and resilient data environments.
  • Directing the integration and management of structured and unstructured data to improve data access, interoperability, and enterprise utilization.
  • Leading advanced analytics, AI, ML, and data science initiatives to transform complex data into actionable mission and strategic insights.
  • Directing the development of analytical models and methodologies to identify trends, patterns, risks, and opportunities for informed decision-making.
  • Leading the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies to modernize data, analytics, automation, and processing capabilities.
  • Ensuring data governance and investment practices comply with Federal requirements including cybersecurity laws, NIST, FISMA, OMB guidance, and DOJ OCIO policies.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment:

  1. You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  2. You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position.
  3. You will be required to undergo a drug screening and obtain favorable results prior to being appointed.
  4. Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  5. Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
  6. You may be required to complete a 1-year probationary period
  7. You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.

Qualifications

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. Applicants must show clear evidence of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) embedded within their resume. The resume-based application should not to exceed 2 pages (1-sheet double-sided or 2 sheets one-sided)


MTQ 1 - Enterprise Data Strategy, Governance, and Architecture Leadership
Demonstrated executive-level experience leading the development, implementation, and maturation of enterprise data strategy, governance frameworks, and architectural standards across large, complex organizational environments. Must show mastery in integrating structured and unstructured data, establishing data stewardship and governance models, and directing scalable, interoperable data architectures that ensure data quality, integrity, and accessibility across diverse mission-critical systems. This includes providing authoritative oversight of enterprise data programs, aligning data governance with organizational priorities, and ensuring Department-wide consistency in data management practices.

MTQ 2 - Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Expertise
Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and apply advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence capabilities to transform complex data into actionable insights for high-impact decision-making. Must show a record of developing predictive, prescriptive, and exploratory analytical models; applying statistical methodologies, optimization techniques, natural language processing, simulation, and automation; and overseeing enterprise-wide analytic frameworks that enhance operational performance and strategic outcomes. This includes directing analytical innovation, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of analytical outputs, and advancing enterprise-level methodologies that support mission-critical decisions.

MTQ 3 - Federal Data Governance, Cybersecurity Compliance, and Regulatory Integration

Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of federal data management laws, cybersecurity regulations, and enterprise compliance frameworks governing the protection, use, and governance of sensitive and mission-critical information. Must show a proven record of implementing enterprise data policies, standards, and lifecycle practices aligned with FISMA, FITARA, OMB guidance, and NIST/NICE standards. This includes overseeing compliance assessments, audits, corrective actions, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure data security, integrity, and accountability across enterprise data environments, while providing authoritative counsel on regulatory requirements that shape organization-wide data practices.


**Only experience obtained by the closing date (09/08/2026) of this announcement will be considered!

Education

For the 2210 Occupational Series, The Office of Personnel Management does not have a positive educational requirement. Well Qualified applicants may possess advanced degrees in one or more of the following areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning, and Information Systems.



Additional information

General Employment Information:

  1. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Our policy can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy
  2. DOJ EEO STATEMENT: The U.S. Department of Justice fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce, find our EEO statement online at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/page/file/1394116/download
  3. SELECTIVE SERVICE: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.
Veteran Preference Information:
  1. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit a signed certification from the armed forces certifying: (1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, (2) type of service, i.e., under honorable conditions, (3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, (4) dates of active-duty service, (5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, (6) dated within 120 days of your separation (VOW Act 2011).
  2. If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF-15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
  3. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
  4. If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter.
  5. For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets.

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.

Once the announcement closes:

  1. A review of your resume with the experience directly related to the MTQs, and supporting documentation will be conducted by the HR Specialist.
  2. Applicants deemed minimally qualified will be referred to a panel of subject matter experts to further evaluate your application.
  3. Subject matter experts will further evaluate your application to determine if you are among the best qualified for referral to the hiring official.
  4. Preference will be applied to eligible veterans.
  5. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring official and may be invited to participate in a structured interview. Interviews may be in a virtual setting or in person at DOJ offices.
  6. This information will be used to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and whether you are qualified for this position.
BASIS OF RATING:

Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures.

Required Documents

Documentation requirements may vary from applicant to applicant based on your eligibility claims.
For example, Veteran documents would be required only from applicants claiming Veteran's Preference. It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of document descriptions below, to see which documents are required for your application.

ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a detailed resume containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:

  1. Official position title,
  2. Employer name and contact information,
  3. Start and end dates (including month and year),
  4. A detailed list of duties & accomplishments,
  5. Your highest grade/step or salary achieved, and
  6. The number of hours worked per week (or indicate full-time).
  7. If you're unsure about what to include in your resume, please review the USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial on YouTube. You are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder, as this will ensure you're including everything that is required.
ALL APPLICANTS: Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ):
  1. Applicants must address the MTQs listed above in the "qualifications" section embedded within the resume not to exceed 2 pages.

If you are claiming a Veterans Preference eligibility:
  1. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit a signed certification from the armed forces certifying: (1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, (2) type of service, i.e., under honorable conditions, (3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, (4) dates of active-duty service, (5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, (6) dated within 120 days of your separation (VOW Act 2011).
  2. If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF-15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
  3. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
  4. If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter.
  5. For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets.
More Info:
USAJOBS - What documents might I need to provide?
Application Manager Help - Documents

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/08/2026 to receive consideration.

If you would like to preview the announcement questionnaire, please click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13042810

  1. Click "Apply Online" to get started.
  2. If you're not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you don't have an account, please create one.
  3. You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.
  4. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.
  5. You'll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before you're able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DOJ logo, you are still on USAJOBS. You'll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.
  6. Once you reach DOJ's Application Manager system, you'll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.
  7. After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS *OR* upload documents directly from your computer or device.
  8. If you opt to upload a document directly, click the "Upload" button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.
  9. Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.
  10. Once you've uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.
  11. If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.
If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability or overseas deployment, you must request an alternative application, which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Steven Scope at Steven.Scope@usdoj.gov or 202-598-3092 to discuss your situation. Accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Indicate that you're asking for a reasonable accommodation in your e-mail subject so the HR Specialist knows where to direct you.

Agency contact information

Steven Scope
Phone
202-598-3092
Email
Steven.Scope@usdoj.gov
Address
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Chief Information Officer
2 Constitution Square
145 N Street NE
Room 9W.300
Washington, DC 20530
US

Next steps

You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list. Click here to learn more about checking your application status, or see what each application status means.

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? Join the U.S. Department of Justice!

The Department of Justice leads the nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. As a Justice employee you'll be a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. Read more about the exciting opportunities available.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

Values

  1. Independence and Impartiality. The Justice Department works each day to earn the public's trust by following the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence.
  2. Honesty and Integrity. The Justice Department's employees adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, mindful that, as public servants, we must work to earn the trust of, and inspire confidence in, the public we serve.
  3. Respect. The Justice Department's employees value differences in people and in ideas and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and compassion.
  4. Excellence. The Justice Department works every day to provide the highest levels of service to the American people and to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers' dollars.

Agency contact information

Steven Scope
Phone
202-598-3092
Email
Steven.Scope@usdoj.gov
Address
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Chief Information Officer
2 Constitution Square
145 N Street NE
Room 9W.300
Washington, DC 20530
US

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