Data Scientist - Silver Spring, MD

To qualify for this Data Scientist position (1560 series), you must meet basic requirements and one of the Band A or Band B experience/education combinations by 07/24/2026. U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Basic Requirement: A Bachelor's degree or higher in data science, statistics, informatics, bioinformatics, information science, computer science, mathematics, computational biology, engineering, operations research, economics, public health, physics, quantitative analysis, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• OR comparable work experience or demonstrated understanding in data science or a related field (through project portfolios, research, certifications, etc.).
• Band A: Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree + 1 year; OR Doctorate/J.D. + 0 years; OR MD/DO/DDS/DPM/DVM degree; OR comparable experience + 4 years.
• Band B: Bachelor's degree + 3 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree + 2 years; OR Doctorate/J.D. + 1 year; OR MD/DO/DDS/DPM/DVM degree; OR comparable experience + 5 years.
• Relevant experience includes conducting regulatory reviews and scientific evaluations within your area of expertise with minimal supervision, applying advanced scientific knowledge and regulatory understanding.
• Transcripts are required to verify education. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Education from foreign institutions must be evaluated by an accredited U.S. credentialing service.
• This position is filled under Title 21 authority; traditional rating, ranking, and veterans' preference do not apply.

Design data modeling processes and create algorithms and predictive models to extract insights that improve the assessment of pharmaceutical quality.

• Apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods to analyze complex, multivariable datasets, identify patterns and anomalies, and generate actionable insights.
• Produce well-documented analytical products using coding proven methods, data wrangling, probabilistic record linkage, and statistical programming languages.
• Develop and maintain scalable, production-ready data science solutions using cloud-based environments, automated workflows, and data pipeline engineering.
• Design and develop data visualizations to communicate complex analytical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support data-driven decision-making within the Office of Quality Surveillance.

U.S. citizenship or U.S. National status must be met by the closing date.

• Direct deposit of federal salary payments is required.
• Must pass a background security investigation.
• May be subject to a drug test; appointment contingent on negative result.
• Financial disclosure and ethics clearance may be required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Probationary period may be required for new federal employees.
• Participation in e-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Complete federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Paid annual and sick leave.
• Access to flexible spending accounts.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness programs.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.

This position is filled under Title 21 of the U.S. Code (21 U.S.C. 379d-3a) as amended by the 21st Century Cures Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

• The selected candidate will serve under a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service.
• Pay is under Title 21 Pay Table 2, Band A (GS-11 equivalent) or Band B (GS-12 equivalent).
• Telework is not available; this is an onsite position at the FDA White Oak campus.
• The FDA participates in e-Verify; all new hires must complete Form I-9.
• Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request.
• Multiple vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
• The closing date is 07/24/2026; applications must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices. The Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ) within the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) ensures that the nation's drug supply is of high quality through regulatory science and surveillance. This Data Scientist position sits within the Office of Quality Surveillance (OQS), which uses data-driven approaches to monitor and assess pharmaceutical quality. Working at the FDA offers a unique opportunity to apply data science to public health challenges, with the stability and benefits of federal employment. Office of Pharmaceutical Quality (OPQ), Office of Quality Surveillance (OQS). is named as the hiring organisation for the Data Scientist post.