Federal

Applied Social Scientist - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

๐Ÿ“ Fort Meade, Maryland GG-11/14 $85,447 - $187,093/yr
Posted: Mar 16, 2026 Deadline: Mar 19, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

NSA has numerous excellent opportunities for Applied Social Scientists. NSA's Applied Social Scientists oversee and develop initiatives focusing on talent acquisition, development and retention. They also use social science research methods to explore and address issues around organizational and program effectiveness, develop solutions, and provide data informed recommendations to enhance the way NSA does business.

Qualifications

FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Master's degree plus 1 year of experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. SENIOR Entry is with a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

Major Duties

As an Applied Social Scientist, you will work with other industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologists, strategic consultants, data scientists, and human capital professionals to oversee and develop initiatives focusing on talent acquisition, development, and retention. Applied Social Scientists use social science research methods to explore and address issues around organizational and program effectiveness. They develop solutions and provide data-informed recommendations to enhance the way NSA does business.

Applied Social Scientists work across the NSA performing one or more of the following functions: pre-employment assessment and selection, development assessment, statistical and qualitative analysis of work, program evaluation, surveys and organizational effectiveness consultation.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Organizational Development, I-O Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Educational Psychology, Applied Psychology, Sociology, Economics, or a related degree.

How You Will Be Evaluated

PRE-EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION Applied Social Scientists focusing on pre-employment assessment and selection use their skills in psychometrics, assessments, and employee selection to develop assessment solutions supporting hiring at NSA. Specific activities may include: - Lead and conduct projects developing, validating, revising, and implementing pre-employment assessments (e.g., CAT assessments, structured interviews, cognitive and non-cognitive assessments, and knowledge tests, work samples, and simulations); - Contribute to the design and execution of job analysis studies; - Conduct EEO analyses for selection decisions involving the use of assessments in accordance with legal guidelines and professional standards; - Manage data sets and perform statistical analyses (e.g., descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, IRT, Classical Test Theory, latent variable modeling, scaling, equating) - Write detailed technical reports supporting the use and interpretation of pre-employment test scores - Develop innovative assessment implementation strategies to meet the needs of hiring partners ANALYSIS OF WORK Applied Social Scientists focusing on the analysis of work use their skills to gather data and develop solutions supporting the Agency's occupational structure and thus providing the foundation for many talent management efforts. Specific activities may include: - Lead the design and execution of large- and small-scale job analysis studies - Develop and maintain libraries of task, knowledge, and skill statements, - Develop and maintain libraries of competencies and associated behavioral indicators - Lead the design and execution of competency modeling, assessment, and gap analysis efforts that inform employee development efforts and strategic workforce planning - Manage data sets and perform statistical analyses (e.g., descriptive statistics, correlation, interrater reliability, latent variable modeling, cluster analysis) - Write detailed technical reports describing the methods and results from the job analysis or competency modeling process - Develop innovative solutions to disseminate job analysis and competency results to stakeholders

Additional Information

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: $85,447 - $187,093 (Full Performance - Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. 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

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1255112

Required Documents

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Applied Social Scientist - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland) position at National Security Agency/Central Security Service?
The salary range for this position is $85,447 - $187,093/yr. This is a GG-11/14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Applied Social Scientist - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland) job located?
This position is located in Fort Meade, Maryland. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Master's degree plus 1 year of experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. SENIOR Entry is with a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 19, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GG-11/14 mean?
GG-11/14 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.