Advance Your Career at the Defense Personnel Analytics Center

Are you a seasoned researcher, statistician, or social scientist looking to make a national impact? The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is currently seeking an interdisciplinary professional for a high-level GS-14 position within the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) in Alexandria, Virginia. This role is pivotal in shaping the policies that affect the Total Force, leveraging rigorous data and evidence-based research to improve the lives of military personnel and their families.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-14 analyst, you will function as a Subject Matter Expert, managing complex portfolios that support DoW leadership. Typical duties include:

Research Design: Leading the full lifecycle of complex, large-scale probability-based surveys.
Strategic Communication: Translating intricate statistical data into actionable intelligence for General Officers and Senior Executive Service (SES) officials.
Project Management: Overseeing contracts, managing budgets, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders.
Methodological Rigor: Applying inferential, regression, and multivariate analysis to identify trends and inform policy decisions.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet stringent federal requirements:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.
Education: Graduate-level training (minimum 9 semester hours) in statistics is mandatory.
Resume: Strictly limited to two pages, meeting specific formatting standards (PDF, min 10-point font, 0.5-inch margins).
Clearance: Ability to maintain a Secret security clearance.

Comparison Table: Educational Requirements

Series	Core Degree Focus	Mandatory Coursework
Social Science (0101)	Behavioral or Social Science	9 Credits Statistics
Psychology (0180)	Major in Psychology	9 Credits Statistics
Statistics (1530)	Statistics or Math/Stats	15 Stats + 9 Science Credits

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales.

Benefits

Working for the Department of Defense provides a robust total compensation package, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Professional development opportunities.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Do not exceed the two-page limit. If your resume is three pages, you are automatically disqualified.
Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 is attached if you are a current or former federal employee.
Transcripts: Even if you have an advanced degree, you must provide transcripts showing the 9 required semester hours of graduate-level statistics.

If you possess the analytical mind and research expertise required to support the Department of Defense, this role at DPAC offers a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and serve. Submit your application promptly before the closing date.

Why This Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Shape the future of the Department of Defense through expert data-driven research and strategic personnel analytics as a GS-14 Subject Matter Expert.

Interdisciplinary Job Overview

The Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as an interdisciplinary lead in Social Science, Psychology, or Statistics. This role is central to advancing the readiness, well-being, and operational security of the Total Force. You will design and oversee large-scale, probability-based surveys, provide actionable insights to senior leadership, and manage critical personnel policy research projects.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary

U.S. Citizenship
One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent.
Graduate-level statistical training (minimum 9 semester hours).
Submission of complete academic transcripts.
Resume limited strictly to two pages (PDF format).
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Financial disclosure statement submission as required.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary

Demonstrated expertise in military personnel topics such as readiness, organizational climate, or retention.
Proven track record in managing large-scale, probability-based survey design and implementation.
Advanced experience translating complex statistical findings into briefings for General Officers and SES officials.
Strong project management skills including budget planning and contract oversight.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment options).
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Flexible work arrangements (Telework eligible).
✓Potential for career growth within the Department of Defense.

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, following formatting requirements (min 10-point font, 0.5-inch margins).
Gather and upload official or unofficial transcripts documenting graduate-level statistics and relevant degrees.
Submit your application through the USA Staffing portal before the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS 'Application Status' link.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will disqualify your application immediately.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly list course credits and degree completion.
Submit your application early to allow time for the automated document virus scan.
Use the federal resume builder tool to ensure all required information is captured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement?

No, at the GS-14 level, substitution of education for the required specialized experience is not permitted.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Your application will be deemed ineligible and removed from further consideration.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on agency policy and requirements.

Can I submit a portfolio along with my two-page resume?

No, extra documentation that is not requested can lead to confusion. Focus on ensuring your resume effectively highlights your experience.

What is the security clearance level?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) is a branch of the Department of Defense (DoD). Its mission is to improve the readiness, well-being, and security of the military force by conducting comprehensive research, personnel analytics, and strategic communication. Employees at DPAC are at the forefront of policy-informing research, often dealing with sensitive and highly visible topics.