AI Computer Scientist, ZP-1550-III/IV

Summary

NIST is seeking an AI Technical Expert to conduct original research and advance measurement science. This position will drive the NIST's AI mission by addressing critical standards challenges. Key responsibilities include designing, developing, and testing novel AI-driven tools, test software, methodologies, and benchmarks. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

As a ZP-III AI Technical Expert, you will perform cutting-edge research and develop advanced evaluation tools to advance the Institute's measurement science mission. Major duties include: Conducting original research in machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing to address critical standards challenges. Developing test software and innovative methodologies focused on AI computing to enable accurate measurement science. Designing and evaluating complex AI systems, novel AI-driven tools, and specialized benchmarks. Serving as a technical expert to advance strategic artificial intelligence initiatives and tool development across the organization. As a ZP-IV Lead AI Technical Expert, you will direct cutting-edge research, shape organizational strategy, and formulate advanced evaluation frameworks to drive the Institute's measurement science mission. Major duties include: Leading original research and formulating novel AI-driven tools, methodologies, and benchmarks to solve critical standards challenges. Setting the strategic direction for artificial intelligence initiatives, computing programs, and tool development across the organization. Serving as a principal technical expert in deep learning, machine learning, and natural language processing to design and evaluate AI systems. Overseeing the development of specialized test software and measurement methodologies focused on advanced AI computing environments.

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. In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as: Experience with computer programming and tool development to solve key Artificial Intelligence (AI) measurement science challenges. Experience with core AI technical skills such as machine learning and deep learning Experience with statistical data analysis and experimental design OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR A combination of education and experience For ZP-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as: Experience in leading computer programming and tool development efforts to solve key Artificial Intelligence (AI) measurement science challenges. Experience in providing technical leadership for AI experts in areas involving core AI technical skills such as machine learning and deep learning Experience in leading and implementing projects involving statistical data analysis and experimental design 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

Evaluations

Please prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages; only the first two pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11-points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended. How you will be evaluated: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) may be used to review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. SMEs will review ONLY two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume. Applications will be assessed on the following competencies: Software Development Technology Awareness Written Communication Referral: All applicants may be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked, and veteran preference does not apply. CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that, in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility

How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. As part of the application process, you will be asked to respond to four narrative questions. While your responses to these questions are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The Human Resources Office will evaluate your application to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: USAJOBS Help Center - How to see your application and job status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Need help applying? If you are experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button), please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If you receive any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or, at a minimum, the error message text and number. We will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance if necessary. If you are having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder), please visit the USAJOBS USAJOBS Help Center - How to.... We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST. If you are experiencing a significant hardship that hinders your ability to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement prior to the vacancy closing date and during regular business hours to discuss your situation.

Other 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.