Applied Research Mathematician

Responsibilities At NSA, mathematics and statistics are core disciplines present in every aspect of our mission: to protect our Nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes, and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information.

Mathematicians and Mathematical Statisticians contribute across our mission by bringing both subject matter expertise and creative, critical thinking. A wide range of technical expertise finds a natural fit at NSA including, but not limited to, fields of algebra, combinatorics, Fourier analysis, operations research, graph analytics, regression, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, stochastic processes, statistical modeling, forecasting, and cryptography.

Diversity is a key for NSA mission success. We solve our hardest problems and develop innovative solutions by bringing together the perspectives of people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.

The Agency supports a dynamic mathematics community with substantial opportunities to learn and experiment in areas far from academic training. Additionally, professional development is supported by hands-on training, seminar series, conference travel, and professional organizations. These opportunities and core mission needs help make NSA the largest employer of mathematicians and mathematical statisticians in the country.

Job Summary NSA is actively searching for mathematicians and mathematical statisticians like you to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, physicists, computer scientists, data scientists, and other intelligence professionals.

Newly-hired mathematicians and mathematical statisticians begin their careers in the Mathematics Development Program (MDP). The goal of the three-year MDP is to provide on-the-job training in the broad range of mathematical and statistical sciences at NSA. This is primarily accomplished through 6-month tours in NSA offices of the MDP participant's choosing. Mentorship is provided for each tour and participants work on real mission problems. MDP members also study cryptologic mathematics, statistical data mining, and related subjects in courses taught by Agency experts. Participants are required to develop skills in programming and using computational resources to solve mission problems. Various short-term and long-term travel opportunities exist for interested participants but are not required.

MDP members are able to take advantage of other professional development opportunities available at NSA as well. This includes continuing education opportunities and optional Agency courses in everything from professional communication to goal setting to machine learning. Career mentorship and participation in professional networks such as WIMS (Women in the Mathematical Sciences) are strongly supported. A healthy work-life balance is encouraged and resources including maternity/paternity leave, counseling services, and financial coaching are available for all employees.

Through the MDP, participants are rooted in the Agency community of mathematicians and mathematical statisticians. Also they are given the opportunity to explore a wide variety of problem sets. At the end of the program, graduates choose their first assignment from any open positions at the Agency.

NSA is unique in its ability to offer the opportunity to work on cutting edge problems in a wide range of technical fields including:

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Human Language technology
• Cryptology
• Signals analysis
• Speech/image/video processing
• Network analysis
• Cyber security
• High performance computing

All employees at NSA have access to diverse opportunities with the expectation that they will continuously grow as professionals. Positions exist that use everything from theoretical to applied mathematics and statistics, and vary from becoming a leading expert in a specialized niche to coordinating technical work across a wide array of disciplines. The choice is yours

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.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. 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.

Competencies Candidates must possess:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Desire for continual learning
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within diverse teams

For the Entry/Developmental work level, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired but not required. Successful applicants may learn these skills at the Agency.

• Programming expertise in any language
• Experience in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematical models, methods and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development)

The timeline for hiring mathematicians is quite long, commonly one to two years. We recommend applying when graduation is no more than a year out, as start dates can often flex to accommodate the needs of a successful applicant.

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: $79,735 - $149,026 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. This position is hiring for Maryland.

On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.

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. Please visit our Diversity link for more information https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion.

DCIPS Disclaimer The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.