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Applied AI Technical Lead & Strategic Analyst (ITL)


Job Location:

Gaithersburg, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 169279 - 169279
Posted: 6 October 2026 (22 days ago)
Application Deadline: 25 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

NIST is seeking a lead AI researcher and setting a strategic direction for its mission. Serves as the principal expert applying machine learning deep learning and natural language processing to address measurement challenges. Formulate original research develop novel test software methodologies and AI-driven benchmarks to advance national standards and measurement science.


Duties

As a Lead Artificial Intelligence (AI) Researcher you will drive the Institutes technical mission by conducting advanced research defining strategic priorities and developing cutting-edge evaluation methodologies for AI computing systems. Major duties are:

  • Define Strategic Direction: Set the long-term vision for the Institutes AI mission through pioneering research tool development and measurement science.
  • Serve as Lead Technical Expert: Apply deep expertise in machine learning deep learning and natural language processing (NLP) to design develop and evaluate complex AI systems.
  • Advance Measurement Science: Lead targeted research initiatives to design novel test software and methodologies focused on evaluating AI computing capabilities.
  • Conduct Original Research: Formulate and execute independent groundbreaking research to develop innovative AI-driven tools and technical benchmarks that address critical national standards challenges.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No
Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
Bachelors degree in computer science or bachelors degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics statistics and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.

In addition to the above basic requirements applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as:

  • Experience in establishing and providing strategic technical direction with computer programming and tool development to solve key Artificial Intelligence (AI) measurement science challenges.
  • Experience in the novel and strategic use of core AI technical approaches such as machine learning and deep learning to directly address complex challenges being faced by industry
  • Experience in setting vision and strategic direction in projects involving statistical data analysis and experimental design

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.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration
Additional information

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

This position is covered under NISTs Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS) a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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.


Required Experience:

Senior IC