Data Scientist (Recent Graduate).

Bureau of Economic Analysis; Suitland (MD); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Bureau of Economic Analysis is seeking a Recent Graduate to support the operation, development, and maintenance of a SQL-based central processing system in Suitland, MD. You will analyze data for accuracy and communicate economic information in writing and in person.

The role introduces you to federal statistics, requires a degree in math, stats, CS, or related fields, and offers a structured one-year program with formal training and mentorship. Relocation not paid; telework may be available.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or related field (baccalaureate level).
• Experience with data analysis, quality checks, and basic database queries.
• Ability to communicate statistical information clearly in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical duties related to the operation, development, and maintenance of a SQL-based central processing system.
• Communicate economic and statistical information in writing and in person.
• Perform analysis of statistical data for accuracy, quality, and consistency across divisions.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical concepts

Querying databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Statistics/CS/Data Science

Tools

Database querying tools

Job description

• Perform technical duties related to the operation, development, and maintenance of a SQL-based central processing system.
• Communicate economic and statistical information in writing and in person.
• Perform analysis of statistical data for accuracy, quality, and consistency, across Divisions/Directorates.

Duties

• Perform technical duties related to the operation, development, and maintenance of a SQL-based central processing system.
• Communicate economic and statistical information in writing and in person.
• Perform analysis of statistical data for accuracy, quality, and consistency, across Divisions/Directorates.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Registered for Selective Service if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
• You Must sign a Pathways Agreement.
• This position is in the excepted service.
• Relocation expenses may not be paid.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• A probationary period may be required. If non-competitively converted, the time spent as a Recent Graduate will count towards the probationary period.
• This position may be eligible for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).

Qualifications

Applicants who apply under this Job Opportunity Announcement may opt-in (at their request) to allow the sharing of their resume, cover letter, transcripts, certifications, and other associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Department of Commerce (DOC) Bureaus/Offices who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade and pay band (or its equivalent), and full performance level in the same duty location or commuting area of the duty location listed on the Job Opportunity Announcement. Applicants that apply for General Schedule (GS) positions can be considered for pay band positions under one of the DOC's alternative personnel systems (i.e., Commerce Alternative Personnel System (CAPS), or Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS)) that have the equivalent GS grade level and full performance level, and similarly, CAPS and APMS applicants may be considered for GS positions or one of DOC's alternative personnel systems. Upon acceptance of a position, the employee will be subject to the corresponding pay system (i.e., GS, CAPS or APMS). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which they wish to receive consideration.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Basic Entry Requirements for All Grade Levels:

You must be a Recent College Graduates from qualifying institutions within two years of degree or certification (Veterans precluded by their military service obligation, will have up to six years to apply).

Students with a transcript with a degree confer date on or before (December 31, 2026), will be considered for the Recent Graduate Program. Graduation / expect graduation date MUST be indicated on your resume.

NOTE: To show proof of meeting the Basic Entry Requirements, all applicants MUST submit a copy of their college transcripts. See the Required Documents section for more information.

Minimum Education Requirement

Individual Occupational Requirement for all grades:

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

In addition to meeting the minimum education requirement listed above, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below for each grade level.

Specialized Experience:

For the Band 2 (GS-7), you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the Band 1 (GS-05) in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: (1) analyzing data modeling concepts and reviewing data for trends from multiple systems, (2) assisting in research and statistical analysis on available data to improve program materials and documentation, and (3) perform basic queries using various types of database and analytical tools.

OR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE Band 2 (GS-7) BASED ON EDUCATION:

1 full year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement.

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:

Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement is defined as: (1) Class standing -- You must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses, (2) Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- You must have 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum, or (3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- You are a member of one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

NOTE: To show proof of meeting the Basic Entry Requirements, all applicants MUST submit a copy of their college transcripts. See the Required Documents section for more information.

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.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e‑mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement, 11/12/2026, to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Additional information

The Bureau of Economic Analysis is seeking bright, innovative, results-oriented individuals to join our Recent Graduates Program (RGP). The Recent Graduate Program is a one-year program that targets individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants will be placed in a dynamic, one-year career development program. Throughout the program, you will participate in formal training, job assignments and receive a mentor to develop competencies applicable to the Bureau of Economic Analysis's mission and needs. These positions are at the band I/II/III entry levels, with an opportunity for permanent appointment upon successful completion of the program.

To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, Recent Graduates must:

• Successfully completed at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.
• Demonstrate successful job performance.
• Meet the Office of Personnel Management's qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests

If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the;

Recent Graduates and their supervisors must sign Pathways Agreements setting forth expectations for the program.

To find additional information regarding the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, please visit the following website:

The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case‑case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.

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.

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.

Applicants who apply under this Job Opportunity Announcement

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.