Summary
USCIS is looking for a Data Scientist to gather and analyze facts, determine the accuracy of data, apply technical proficiency with current software capabilities, and research ways to improve production and/or increase the quality of deliverables.
Open to
- The public
- U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or individuals who owe allegiance to the U.S.
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
- Federal employees whose job, agency, or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority
These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupations and are open to all U.S. citizens.
Duties
The responsibilities below are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments are more limited in scope, with less independence, and limited complexity.
- Lead the collection, validation, and prioritization of analytical datasets for data visualization products in coordination with IT resources.
- Critically assess and interpret complex datasets by examining data quality, validity, and reliability, and identifying inconsistencies or biases.
- Perform complex algorithmic analysis, select and optimize algorithms, and report insights to senior leadership.
- Respond to data requests, conduct data analysis using statistical software, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
- Develop, refine, and pilot innovative data visualizations (for example, dashboards) with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and credibility of insights.
- Provide training and support to teams in evidence-based decision-making and the use of rigorous data validation techniques.
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply.
- Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure.
- Pass a drug screening.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Political appointees may require OPM approval before onboarding.
- USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program.
- This position is not considered "essential" for reporting to work if the facility might otherwise be closed.
- This is not a law enforcement (covered) position.
Residency Requirement: Applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must meet a residency requirement. For three of the last five years immediately prior to applying, candidates must have resided in the United States, worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, or been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.
Probationary Period: A probationary period of 1 year may be required.
Qualifications
Qualifications must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/14/2026 . Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, and any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not affect the rating and ranking of applicants. This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority to recruit for positions with a critical hiring need at the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Application Limit: This vacancy is limited to the first 75 applications received. Any required documents must be submitted at the time of application, and documents will not be accepted after the day the application limit is reached (if applicable). If you edit your application after submission, it will be removed from consideration until you re-submit it. The date your application is last submitted will be used to determine whether you meet the cut-off criteria.
Basic Requirements
All applicants must meet the following basic requirements (supported in Transcripts from an accredited institution, Resume and/or Applicable Certificate):
- Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or a field directly related to the position, with the degree in a major field of study at least at the baccalaureate level and appropriate for the position.
- OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown 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 and query or integrate data sets. This experience must be documented in your resume. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.
GS-12 Specialized Experience
You qualify at the GS-12 level if you have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:
- Applying data mining techniques to analyze datasets and extract actionable insights for decision-making.
- Implementing data models to support program objectives and improve operational efficiency.
- Communicating technical findings and data-driven recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Utilizing programming languages (such as Python, R, or SQL) and data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI) to manipulate, analyze, and present large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
GS-13 Specialized Experience
You qualify at the GS-13 level if you have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties:
- Leading the design and implementation of statistical models, machine learning algorithms, or data mining solutions to address organizational challenges.
- Managing data science projects, coordinating team activities, and ensuring timely delivery of analytical products.
- Advising senior leadership and stakeholders on data-driven strategies and presenting complex technical findings in actionable terms.
- Developing and maintaining automated data pipelines or analytical tools using programming languages (such as Python, R, or SQL) and advanced data visualization platforms (such as Tableau or Power BI) to support large-scale data analysis and reporting.