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

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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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

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

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional 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.

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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.

Benefits

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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.