NSA's Mathematics Research Group conducts world-class mathematical research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC). We are actively seeking mathematicians with experience in machine learning security and generative AI to join our Statistics and Machine Learning Research Office. The office focuses on fundamental mathematics research in the applications of machine learning and statistical analysis, as well as a wide range of other technical areas to include cryptography, machine learning security, generative AI, network defense, and graph algorithms.
Responsibilities may include:
- Analyze problems and determine procedures required to solve technical problems;
- Create computer algorithms, data models, and protocols;
- Identify new applications of known techniques;
- Analyze data, algorithms, and communication protocols using mathematical/statistical methods;
- Develop and apply mathematical or computational methods and lines of reasoning;
- Design, develop and debug software solutions;
- Create and maintain documentation on research processes, analyses and/or the results;
- Write logical and accurate technical reports to communicate ideas;
- Effectively instruct, mentor, and support the professional development of colleagues in the areas of technical expertise.
Job Summary
NSA's Mathematics Research Group conducts world-class mathematical research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC). We are actively seeking mathematicians to join our Mathematics Research Group. The Group focuses on mathematics research in the applications of a wide range of technical areas, including cryptanalysis, cryptography, vulnerability research, machine learning, statistical analysis, machine learning security, network defense, digital forensics, and graph algorithms.
In particular, the Mathematics Research Group is seeking candidates with advanced degrees in mathematics and statistics who have research experience in their chosen fields. Applicants with advanced degrees in related fields such as Physics, Computer Science, and Data Science with strong mathematical backgrounds will be considered. The ideal candidate will have experience performing research, either alone or with a team in their area of expertise. The nature of NSA mathematics is highly computational, therefore computer programing/scripting experience in one or more languages will be of great benefit to the ideal candidate
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Experience may also include, network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering. Leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
EXPERT
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of experience.
Competencies
Qualified applicants will have a strong technical background in a computational science discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Statistics, Data or Computer Science) and research experience in mathematical analysis of large data sets. Experience in operational areas is a plus.
Exceptional candidates will have experience applying machine learning methods, including but not limited to a subset of deep learning, reinforcement learning, ensemble methods, and large scale graph analytics. Significant programming experience, especially working with large data sets (e.g., Python, Tensorflow, R, Java, C/C++, and/or other data processing frameworks) is preferred.
The ideal candidate is someone with excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, who possesses a range of knowledge and experience with:
- Applying principles and methods of linear algebra (e.g., vector spaces, matrices, matrix manipulations) to solve complex problems;
- Applying the mathematical principles, combinatorial methods or elicitation techniques to determine or calculate the likelihood of outcomes;
- Quantifying the likelihood of an event's occurrence;
- The scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct research studies (e.g., study design, data collection and analysis, and reporting results);
- Applying data-analytic techniques to analyze, visualize, and summarize sample data from populations;
- Drawing inferences regarding populations based on results from sample data.
- Concepts and procedures for applying algorithm design techniques (e.g., data structures, dynamic programming, backtracking, heuristics, and modeling) to design correct, efficient, and implementable algorithms for real-world problems;
- Debugging and testing software programs;
- Using best programming practices (e.g., appropriate coding standards, algorithm efficiencies, coding documentation);
- Using principles, techniques, procedures, and tools that facilitate the development of software applications;
- Using software and computer languages and skills (e.g., writing code, debugging/testing programs, fixing syntax, correcting logic errors, using abstract data types) to develop programs that meet technical requirements;
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $131,437 - $195,200 (Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
How to apply
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate.
DCIPS Disclaimer
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.
