Information Technology Specialist (Data Science)

Smithsonian Institution; United States; Remote; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution's Office of Digital and Innovation (ODI) within the Office of the Deputy Secretary seeks a highly qualified professional at the GS-14 level to advance data-driven research and informatics in scientific initiatives.

The role focuses on applying software and programming tools, data analysis, and collaborative development of computational solutions to support research across SI units, emphasizing rigor, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Competencies in attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem solving are required.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in Office of Digital and Innovation (ODI), Office of the Deputy Secretary, Smithsonian Institution (SI). ODI works centrally and within SI units to unlock the full potential of our collections and resources, better understand and serve our audiences, and pioneer innovative approaches to accelerate and scale our impact.

GS-14 Experience:

You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• Application of Software and Programming Tools, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Data Science, and IT Requirements.
• Gathering Developing computational workflows, analytical methods, software applications, or machine learning solutions for scientific research.
• Using programming languages, statistical packages, and scientific computing tools to analyze complex research data.
• Developing informatics tools or data-processing pipelines for data storage, retrieval, analysis, modeling, or visualization.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams to implement computational solutions and research technologies.
• Advising researchers on data science methods, AI applications, research computing resources, or high-performance computing environments.
• Translating scientific or technical requirements into computing infrastructure, software, or workflow solutions.

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. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

In addition to meeting the Specialized Experience for all positions individuals must have related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below:

Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Customer Service: Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external business partners and customers (any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unity produces including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government). Provides information or assistance. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. Effectively manages customer relationships.

Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups. Listen effectively; clarifies information, as needed. Speaks and writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner that is appropriate to the audience. Facilitates an open exchange of ideas to ensure all group input is considered. Handles technical, sensitive, or controversial topics with agility involving executives/managers as appropriate.

Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems, weighs relevance and accuracy of information, generates and evaluates alternative solutions, and makes sound recommendations.

The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (2210) and who are in a Federal competitive service appointment as this advertised position, are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).