Data Scientist

Drug Enforcement Administration; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeks a Data Scientist to devise methodologies and data structures that turn raw data into actionable information for criminal investigations and operational analysis. The role emphasizes creating machine learning tools and queries to analyze diverse data sources, supporting leadership decisions with formal analyses.

Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, background check, and security clearance.

Qualifications

• Degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or related field (baccalaureate level).
• One year of specialized experience at GS-12 level or equivalent.
• Experience organizing data for analysis and developing queries for data extraction.

Responsibilities

• Compile and organize structured and unstructured program data into usable information for investigations and analysis.
• Manage hardware and software components for data gathering, storage, and retrieval.
• Develop ML tools, algorithms, and queries to analyze diverse data sets.
• Create reporting materials with clear visuals like charts and graphs.

Skills

Data analysis

Data management

Machine learning

Query development

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or related field

Tools

SQL

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the DEA, Office of Diversion Control Operations, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Data Analysis Unit (DOED)

Summary

This position is located in the DEA, Office of Diversion Control Operations, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Data Analysis Unit (DOED)

This position(s) primary purpose is to devise methodologies, data structures, and coding techniques that efficiently organize raw data into usable information that can be analyzed using statistical or other mathematical concepts.

Duties

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The closing date of the announcement was modified to extend the closing date to 11/13/2026.

As a Data Scientist your typical work assignments may include:

• Compiling and organizing structured and unstructured program data into tangible and usable information that aids in criminal investigations and analysis of operations for agency personnel.
• Managing the hardware and software components used to gather, organize, store, and retrieve data ensuring that they are updated in accordance with established policies and procedures and operational requirements.
• Developing machine learning tools, algorithms, and queries that are used to analyze diverse, open source, commercial, and proprietary data both structured and unstructured, to identify connections and associations that are not easily observable.
• Devising informational resources, guides, and other reporting material using consistent formats, structure, and messaging to convey complex topics and subjects in easily digestible charts, diagrams, and graphs.
• Authoring formal analysis reports and assessments or findings under strict timelines used to facilitate decisions made at the leadership and executive level within the organization.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application.

Basic Qualification Requirements: The basic requirement for this position requires a degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

• OR-

A combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Qualifying Experience Must Demonstrate The Following

GS-13: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) utilizing data management systems to organize data into tangible and usable information to aid in analysis; 2) authoring formal analysis reports, assessments or findings used to facilitate decision making; 3) developing queries for data extraction; and 4) conducting studies to determine the validity of data, methodologies used, or results of information/analysis.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.

Time-In-Grade Requirement

Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement

If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.

Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved if the DEA has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.

If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.

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.

Help

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.