Data Scientist: Advancing Federal Policy through Evidence-Based Analysis
In an era where data drives decision-making, the General Services Administration (GSA) is at the forefront of improving government performance. The Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP) is currently seeking a talented Data Scientist to join the Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES). This role offers the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between complex statistical analysis and real-world policy outcomes. If you are an analytical thinker passionate about making government work better, this could be the next chapter in your career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Data Scientist (GS-13), you will be a key advisor in the technical evaluation of government programs. Your daily duties will include:
- Data Management: Merging and cleaning massive datasets to ensure integrity.
- Project Design: Implementing rigorous evaluation frameworks, including RCTs.
- Technical Synthesis: Translating complex metrics into plain language reports for agency leaders.
- Collaboration: Partnering with stakeholders to define key performance indicators and improve data infrastructure.
Comparison: Data Scientist vs. Data Analyst in Government
| Feature | Data Scientist (this role) | Typical Data Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Predictive & Prescriptive | Descriptive |
| Tools | R, Stata, Advanced Modeling | Excel, SQL, Basic Reporting |
| Output | Strategic Policy Shifts | Operational Reports |
| Methodology | Experimental Design (RCT) | Trend Analysis |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several baseline criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold a degree in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 federal level or equivalent.
- Must submit academic transcripts proving eligibility.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 grade, with a salary range between $108,173 and $158,322 per year. Actual pay depends on your selected duty location and locality pay adjustments.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust compensation package, including:
- Comprehensive healthcare and life insurance.
- The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is the government's premier retirement savings account.
- Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick time).
- Transit and childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard filter.
- Speak the Language: Ensure your resume uses keywords found in the "Specialized Experience" section of the official announcement.
- Evidence Matters: Quantify your achievements (e.g., "reduced processing time by 15% using R scripts").
This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced data professionals to apply their skills in a high-stakes environment. By joining the GSA, you are not just analyzing data; you are informing the policy decisions that affect millions. Ensure your application is thorough and submitted before the deadline to be considered for this mission-critical team.
Why This Data Scientist Job Matters
Transform public policy through data-driven insights. Join the GSA’s Office of Evaluation Sciences as a Data Scientist and influence government effectiveness at scale.
Data Scientist Job Overview
The General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP), is seeking a skilled Data Scientist. This role sits within the Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES), a team dedicated to identifying learning opportunities, designing rigorous evaluations, and applying evidence-based strategies to federal agency operations. You will serve as a subject matter expert, turning complex data into actionable narratives that shape mission-critical decisions.
Requirements for Data Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a directly related field
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service
- Successful completion of a background investigation (Tier 2)
- Submission of college transcripts by the closing date
Preferred Qualifications for Data Scientist
- Proven track record in managing and cleaning complex structured and unstructured enterprise-level datasets
- Experience designing and managing Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or qualitative studies
- Expertise in R or Stata for sophisticated statistical analysis
- Ability to communicate complex technical findings to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience applying social and behavioral science evidence to organizational data challenges
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
- ✓Generous vacation time and sick leave
- ✓11 paid federal holidays
- ✓Transit and childcare subsidies
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Continuous professional training and development
💡 How to Apply Data Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Data Scientist Job
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, clearly detailing hours worked and relevant dates.
- Gather your college transcripts and necessary supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50 if applicable).
- Visit the official application portal via the provided URL.
- Complete the online assessment and upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before the midnight ET deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will not be accepted.
- Use your resume to explicitly detail how your experience meets the GS-12 equivalent requirements.
- Double-check that your transcripts include the institution name, your name, and degree conferral date.
- Apply early to avoid potential system bottlenecks near the closing deadline.
- Ensure your firewall is not blocking the transition to the GSA application site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not covered for this position.
What is the security clearance level for this role?
This position is designated as Moderate Risk (MR) and requires a Tier 2 background investigation.
Can I use foreign education to meet requirements?
Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcripts to receive credit.
Is remote work an option?
This position is telework eligible, but you must report to one of the authorized locations.
What is the hiring process timeline?
After the closing date, applications are reviewed, followed by potential interviews and background checks. Final offers typically occur within 40 days of closing.
Job from Office Of Governmentwide Policy
The GSA is the logistical backbone of the federal government, providing workspaces, technology, and policy solutions to agencies across the country. The Office of Evaluation Sciences is particularly notable for its commitment to the scientific method. By utilizing randomized controlled trials and sophisticated data modeling, the team ensures that federal programs are as efficient, effective, and equitable as possible. Working here means collaborating with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to public service.