Data Scientist

This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS).

As a Data Scientist, GS-1560-13, you will design, develop, and implement the analytical, statistical, and programming mechanisms necessary to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret unique and highly specialized data sets., * Collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting complex CMS data sets to identify patterns, relationships, trends, and findings that support evidence-based program and policy decisions.

• Developing statistical models, computational algorithms, code, reports, and visualizations using analytical, programming, database, and business intelligence tools
• Advising CMS leadership on data collection, integration, retention, analysis, interpretation, technology modernization, and communication of analytical findings.
• Leading data science projects and cross-functional teams by developing project plans, coordinating activities, resolving issues, and monitoring contractor performance and deliverables.
• Serving as a technical liaison and subject matter resource on data science methods, emerging technologies, analytical software, data quality, system performance, and security requirements., * You will be subject to a background and suitability investigation.
• Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered or exempt from Selective Service - http://www.sss.gov
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS “E-Verify” System.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice., 1. Analyzing national or state healthcare datasets to evaluate program effectiveness and provide evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making; 2. Developing analytical models or dashboards to monitor healthcare financial or program performance metrics; AND 3. Providing technical guidance on data requirements, analytical methodologies, and program operations identifying opportunities for program improvement.

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., Workplace Flexibility at CMS: This position has a regular and recurring reporting requirement to the CMS office listed in this announcement. CMS offers flexible working arrangements and allows employees the opportunity to participate in alternative work schedules at the manager’s discretion., 1. Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. NOTE: As of September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes that are two pages or less in length. Your resume must indicate your citizenship and whether you are registered with the Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume must also list your work experience and education (if applicable), including the start and end dates (mm/yyyy) of each employment, along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, you must include the series and grade level for the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). For resume and application tips, visit: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-required-documents.pdf, * Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

• Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

• Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.

• Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

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

Specialized Experience: In order to qualify for the GS-13, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include, Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the qualification requirements, all candidates must have the following educational requirements: A. Possess a 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 B. Possess a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience., 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., You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Reasoning
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork, College Transcripts and Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to the education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. For a listing of services that can perform this evaluation, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website. This list, which may not be all-inclusive, is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of any specific agency.

If you are applying for a position for which a state license is issued (e.g., physician, engineer, attorney), possession of a valid and current U.S. professional license by a graduate of a foreign professional school or program is sufficient proof that the foreign education has been determined to be equivalent to the requisite U.S. professional education in that occupational field., Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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., Work site options Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $90,925 - $118,204 per year

Locality pay will be determined after the selection of the duty location. Pay scale & grade GS 13 Promotion potential 13 Learn more about pay scale and grade Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job. Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Appointment type Permanent Occupations and job series

• 1560 Data Science Series

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job. Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced federal employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit the required documentation and be rated well-qualified for this vacancy. Click here for a detailed description of the required supporting documents. A well-qualified applicant is one whose knowledge, skills and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements of the position. Additional information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM’s Career Transition Resources website at www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.