Overview
Data scientists and statisticians help federal agencies turn information into insights that improve decision-making, strengthen programs and better serve the public. They collect, analyze and interpret data to identify trends, evaluate outcomes and develop solutions to complex challenges.
Data science and statistics play an important role across the federal government. Professionals in this field support public health research, disaster response, national security, scientific discovery, workforce planning and many other mission areas. Their work may include designing surveys, conducting statistical analyses, building predictive models, developing data visualizations and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to help agencies make evidence-based decisions.
What You Might Work On
In the federal government, professionals in this field often:
- Design surveys, studies and statistical methods to collect and analyze data
- Analyze large datasets to identify trends, evaluate programs and support decision-making
- Build data visualizations, dashboards and reports that help leaders understand complex information
- Develop predictive models and apply artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to solve mission challenges
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy working with data to answer questions and solve problems
- Like using mathematics and statistics to understand patterns and trends
- Are curious about how data can improve programs, policies and services
- Enjoy learning new tools, technologies and analytical methods
- Want to use evidence and research to support decision-making
Job Series Codes
What are job series codes?
In the federal government, most jobs are grouped into “job series” based on the type of work. Each series has a four-digit code (for example, 1530, Statistics).
How to use them:
You can use job series codes to narrow your search on USAJOBS. Start with a keyword (like “program analyst”), then add a series code for more targeted results. Here are a few examples to get you started — there are hundreds of job series codes across the federal government!
| Code | Series / category name | Common keywords | What you’ll do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1560 | Data Science | Data scientist; machine learning; artificial intelligence | Analyze data, build models and apply advanced analytics to support agency missions |
| 1530 | Statistics | Statistician; survey research; quantitative analysis | Design studies, analyze data and provide statistical expertise for decision-making |
| 1515 | Operations Research | Operations research analyst; modeling; optimization | Use mathematical and statistical methods to evaluate programs, improve processes and solve complex problems |
| 1550 | Computer Science | Data analytics; software development; algorithms | Develop computational tools, applications and systems that support data-driven work |
| 2210 | Information Technology Management | Data engineering; data management; cloud computing | Build and maintain the technology infrastructure that supports data collection, storage and analysis |
Where You Could Work
The federal government is big — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area, or the kind of impact you want to have (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many federal agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Public health and biomedical research: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health
- Economic and demographic research: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Weather, climate and environmental science: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Environmental Protection Agency
- Disaster preparedness and emergency management: Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Benefits and healthcare administration: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Department of Veterans Affairs
- National security and defense: Department of Defense and intelligence agencies
- Transportation and infrastructure: Department of Transportation
- Government operations and digital services: General Services Administration
- Agriculture and food systems: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sample Positions
Data Scientist (1560)
| Employer / agency | General Services Administration |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Washington, D.C. |
| Mission context | The General Services Administration helps federal agencies operate more effectively by providing shared services, technology solutions and data-driven tools that improve how government serves the public. |
In this role, you may:
- Use quantitative and qualitative methods to collect, validate, analyze and visualize data
- Analyze large datasets using scripting languages and/or modern statistical and computational languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL)
- Build models and other solutions that utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, natural language processing and deep learning
Data Scientist (1560)
| Employer / agency | Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Silver Spring, Maryland |
| Mission context | The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collects and analyzes environmental data to support weather forecasting, climate research, marine resource management and the protection of communities and ecosystems. |
In this role, you may:
- Develop, innovate, and/or maintain monitoring and analytical data programs and projects that meet organizational needs, security and timeliness requirements
- Carry out operational assignments related to the use of a variety of analytical and programming tools to design and implement analytical projects (e.g., R languages, Oracle, SQL)
- Coordinate with contacts throughout the organization, and with other government agency employees and partners, to modify, adapt and refine existing applications and techniques
Top 10 agencies for this Field
Top 10 Most Common Jobs in this Field
Positions Currently Open on USAJOBS
Browse current federal job openings on USAJOBS and explore opportunities across agencies and career fields. Use the filters to find positions that match your skills, review requirements, and understand how to apply.
80 Results
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Permanent
Lead Data Scientist (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning)
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Jul 15, 2026
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Permanent
Information Technology Specialist (Systems Analysis/Applications Software)
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Jul 15, 2026
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Permanent
IT Project Manager
Electronic Health Record Modernization
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Senior Technical Manager
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
IT Program Manager
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Supervisory IT Specialist
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISORY IT PROGRAM MANAGER (INFOSEC/PLCYPLN)
Naval Education and Training Command
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Information Technology Specialist (Systems Analysis/Applications Software)
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISOR
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISOR
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
