Become a Data Scientist at the FDA: A Career in Public Health
Are you a data professional looking to pivot your career toward public service? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ) in Silver Spring, Maryland. This role offers the unique opportunity to apply advanced analytics to one of the most critical regulatory environments in the world.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as a key specialist responsible for:
- Designing and implementing complex data models.
- Uncovering patterns and anomalies in pharmaceutical data using machine learning.
- Developing production-ready analytical pipelines in cloud-based environments.
- Communicating insights clearly to leadership to support evidence-based decision-making.
Requirements
Applicants must meet specific educational and experience criteria by July 24, 2026. This includes a bachelor's degree or higher in a quantitative field and a minimum duration of relevant professional experience based on your degree level.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Education Level | Required Relevant Experience |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 Years |
| Master's Degree | 3 Years |
| Doctorate / JD | 1 Year |
| Professional (MD/DO/DDS/etc) | 0 Years |
| Experience Only | 6 Years |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $191,352 per year. Beyond the salary, employees gain access to the federal benefits package, including robust health insurance, pension planning, and opportunities for professional growth.
Application Tips
- Resume Management: Your resume should be limited to two pages and must include specific details such as salary history and hours worked per week.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts are legible and clearly show your coursework and degree conferral dates.
- Attention to Detail: Follow the instructions precisely when filling out the questionnaire to ensure your application remains valid.
This Data Scientist position at the FDA represents an exceptional opportunity to influence national pharmaceutical quality. If you possess the technical expertise and the passion for public service, we encourage you to apply by the July 24, 2026, deadline.
Why This Data Scientist Job Matters
Shape the future of public health by leveraging advanced data science to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products for all Americans.
Data Scientist Job Overview
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking a skilled Data Scientist to join the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ). This role is critical to the agency's mission of protecting public health, utilizing sophisticated modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis to uncover insights that safeguard the pharmaceutical supply chain and ensure product efficacy.
Requirements for Data Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in data science, statistics, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
- Relevant professional experience ranging from 1 to 6 years depending on your highest qualifying degree.
- Proficiency in statistical programming languages and open-source frameworks.
- Submission of official or unofficial transcripts demonstrating educational qualifications.
- Completion of the online assessment questionnaire by the closing date of 07/24/2026.
Preferred Qualifications for Data Scientist
- Experience in designing and deploying scalable, production-ready machine learning models.
- Proficiency with cloud-based data environments and automated data pipeline engineering.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong background in probabilistic record linkage and advanced data wrangling techniques.
- Experience working in a scientific, regulatory, or public health research environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP) with employer matching.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
💡 How to Apply Data Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Data Scientist Job
- Ensure you have a registered account on Login.gov.
- Prepare a comprehensive two-page resume detailing specific duties, hours, and salary history for each position.
- Obtain copies of all required educational transcripts.
- Log into the USA Staffing application portal via the provided link.
- Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire accurately.
- Submit all supporting documents (transcripts, licenses, etc.) before the 07/24/2026 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must be limited to two pages and include detailed descriptions of your experience including hours worked per week.
- Start your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Do not use AI tools for your essay responses, as honesty and original communication are required.
- Ensure your transcripts are in a non-secured, readable format for the hiring system.
- Reference the Vacancy Identification Number 13005865 in all correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hiring authority for this position?
This position is filled under Title 21 of the United States Code, specifically amended by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016.
Are there specific education requirements?
Yes, applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant quantitative field. Official or unofficial transcripts are required to verify your education.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, telework is available at the discretion of the supervisor.
Can I use ChatGPT to write my responses?
No. You must certify that your responses are original and authored by you without the use of AI tools.
Who do I contact for help?
You may contact the FDA Applicant Help Desk at 866-807-3742 or email [email protected].
Job from Food And Drug Administration
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA are dedicated to protecting the health of all Americans. As a Data Scientist within the Office of Quality Surveillance, you will contribute to the oversight of human and animal drugs, medical devices, and other critical health products, ensuring they meet rigorous safety and quality standards.