Data Scientist

Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.

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Duties

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This announcement is for the DHS-Wide Career Expo in Buffalo, NY. Applicant must register for the Career Expo to apply and be considered.

**This is an open continuous announcement with two cutoff Dates:

• 08/19/2026
• 09/02/2026

This position is in the Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO), Office of Innovation (INN), Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).The incumbent will serve as a Data Scientist, responsible for utilizing scientific methodologies, process, algorithms, and systems to extract insights from structured and unstructured data and to provide guidance for data-driven decision making in support of OIG investigations, audits, and inspections.Typical assignments for GS-11/12/13 include:

• Extracting, cleaning, transforming, and organizing structured and semi-structured data (e.g., resolving inconsistencies, handling missing values, normalizing fields) to prepare datasets for analysis.
• Applying descriptive statistics (e.g., counts, means, medians, standard deviations), inferential techniques (e.g., t-tests, chi-square tests) libraries or functions (e.g. in R or Python), or more advanced techniques (e.g., machine learning models, risk modeling) to address stakeholder questions and identify patterns, anomalies, or relationships in the data.
• Building and updating dashboards, reports, and visualizations in tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.
• Automating routine manual tasks (e.g., parsing large data files, merging files, recurring data quality checks, scheduled refreshes) to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
• Participating in discussions with auditors, investigators, inspectors, and other stakeholders to clarify data needs, understand business rules, refine analytical questions and translate stakeholder questions into concrete data tasks.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
• You must successfully pass a background investigation
• You must be able to obtain Secret security clearance
• Financial disclosure is required
• Selective Service registration required
• Completion of one-year probationary period may be required.
• Submission of Performance Appraisal is mandatory

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications GS-11: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Assisting with the application of statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.
• Writing and modifying scripts with open-source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line)
• Creating or updating logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.
• Contributing to written reports, data summaries, or presentation materials that describe analytical approaches and results for non-technical staff.

Minimum Qualifications GS-12: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Applying a range of statistical analyses to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.
• Utilizing open source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line).
• Developing and implementing logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.
• Preparing clear, well organized written products and delivering oral briefings that explain analytical methods, results, and implications to both technical and non-technical audiences or management.

Minimum Qualifications GS-13: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Conducting statistical analysis to make informed projections, data driven decisions, and recommendations based on findings.
• Utilizing open-source language such as R or Python to apply quantitative techniques (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics, sampling, experimental design, parametric and non- parametric tests of difference, ordinary least squares regression, general line.
• Developing and implementing logical data models to deliver integrated data to end users for use in a variety of analytical software tools, including but not limited to graphical link analysis software, statistical analysis, geospatial software, visualization software, and natural language processing software.
• Preparing and delivering clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports and oral presentations that communicate complex technical data analyses, findings, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior management.

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 listed above must be met by the closing date 09/02/2026of this announcement.The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

Additional information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for SECRET as a condition of placement into this position.

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

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.

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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.

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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.