Applied Research Mathematician / Mathematical Statistician - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

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.