Data Scientist

US Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 152,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking a Data Scientist in the Division of Data, Enterprise Data Analytics (EDA) to support AI, ML, and enterprise analytics initiatives in an onsite Washington, DC role.

You will collect and analyze large datasets, build predictive models, and contribute to data-driven surveillance and policy objectives under the guidance of senior data leaders. The role emphasizes responsible data science practices and collaboration with cross‑functional

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12-31-1959.
• Background and security investigation requirements.
• Experience leading data science projects and providing technical guidance.
• Experience with advanced statistical models, ML, big data technologies, and cloud-based analytics platforms.
• Experience mentoring staff and presenting complex findings to senior management.
• Experience designing automated data science workflows and pipelines.
• Education or equivalent experience in a relevant field (baccalaureate level).

Responsibilities

• Assist senior Data Scientists and support CDS and CDO in developing and driving the agency’s data strategy for AI, ML, and analytics.
• Identify and develop data-driven solutions to expand analytics capabilities.
• Collect, clean, and analyze large datasets from multiple sources to support data quality and integrity.
• Perform exploratory data analysis on structured and unstructured data to identify trends and anomalies.
• Develop predictive models to strengthen surveillance and policy goals.
• Assist with AI/ML model development for risk scoring and investigations.

Skills

Data science leadership

ML/AI experience

Big data technologies

Cloud analytics platforms

Mentoring staff

Data governance

Automation workflows

Statistical modeling

Project leadership

Education

Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Job description

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking a Data Scientist for the Division of Data, Enterprise Data Analytics (EDA) section. In this onsite Washington, DC role, you will support senior data leaders in advancing the agency’s data strategy through AI, machine learning, and enterprise analytics, with an emphasis on predictive modeling to strengthen surveillance and policy objectives.

Role Focus

This position supports the CFTC’s data strategy by assisting senior data scientists and contributing to initiatives that explore and deploy AI, ML, and enterprise analytics. Work includes collecting, cleaning, and analyzing large structured and unstructured datasets and building predictive models to support surveillance and CFTC policy goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior Data Scientists and support the Chief Data Scientist (CDS) and Chief Data Officer (CDO) in developing, defining, and driving the CFTC’s data strategy for AI, ML, and enterprise analytics across traditional and emerging market segments.
• Identify and develop data-driven solutions for complex business challenges to expand the agency’s data analytics and computational research capabilities.
• Collect, clean, and analyze large datasets from multiple sources to support data quality, accuracy, and integrity.
• Perform exploratory data analysis on large, complex datasets that include both structured and unstructured data to identify trends, patterns, relationships, and anomalies.
• Apply modern tools and computational skills to interpret, connect, predict, and discover insights from complex data, then deliver recommendations for business and analytic decisions.
• Develop predictive models using advanced statistical and machine learning methods to strengthen CFTC surveillance capabilities and support policy goals, including data-driven rules generation, market monitoring, examinations, and surveillance.
• Assist with AI and ML model development for risk scoring and predictive measures to identify candidates for further investigation using structured (especially tabular) and unstructured data.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Background and security investigation requirements.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Computational analytics and technology evaluation experience.
• Data infrastructure and mining experience.
• Data science governance and strategy knowledge.
• Strategic data science advisory and systems development experience.
• Education requirement: a degree in Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or a directly related field (major field of study at least at the baccalaureate level) OR courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) plus additional education or appropriate experience.
• Experience leading data science projects and providing technical guidance.
• Experience with advanced statistical models, machine learning, big data technologies, and cloud-based analytics platforms.
• Experience mentoring staff and presenting complex findings to senior management.
• Experience designing and implementing automated data science workflows and pipelines.

How This Vacancy Is Filled

This vacancy is filled through the Office of Personnel Management’s Government-wide Direct Hire Authority.

Work Location and Scheduling

• Location: Washington, DC (onsite)
• Work schedule: Full-time
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required
• Appointment type: Permanent
• Telework eligible: Yes, in accordance with agency policy
• Remote job: No
• Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Pay, Series, and Employment Details

• Salary: USD 152,377 - 223,819 per year
• Pay scale and grade: CT 13
• Promotion potential: 13
• Occupations and job series: 1560 Data Science Series
• Supervisory status: No
• Federal service type: Competitive Service
• Represented by a union: Yes
• Union: National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) Chapter 337

Open to Applicants

• The public
• U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Evaluation and Selection Information

Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they meet the qualifications listed in the announcement. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply. All applicants who meet the specialized experience will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. Veteran’s Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures. Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs, and you will receive credit for all qualifying experience.

Required Application Materials

• Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max)
• Cover letter (optional)
• Performance appraisal (optional)
• If claiming veterans preference, indicate the type of preference on your resume and submit required documentation (including DD-214 where applicable)
• ICTAP/CTAP candidates (if applicable) must submit: agency reduction-in-force notice, most recent Performance Rating, most recent SF-50, and additional documentation specified in the announcement

Agency Contact

• Contact: Jenna Giles
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Address: Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st St. NW, Washington, DC 20581, United States