Summary The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an independent Federal agency whose mission is to protect the Federal merit systems and rights of individuals within those systems. MSPB, has a collegial work environment, provides the opportunity to work with considerable independence and encourages participation in professional development activities. MSPB provides excellent benefits including flexible work hours, telework opportunities, and a desirable downtown Washington, DC location. Responsibilities This is a non-supervisory, social science analyst position with a well-respected research organization, MSPB\'s Office of Policy and Evaluation, which has Governmentwide impact on how the Federal workforce is managed. You will work individually and on teams with other research professionals to apply social science theories, research methods, and techniques to design, conduct and report on Federal merit systems and human capital management policies. These studies are conducted to ensure that Federal civil servants are well qualified to perform their jobs and are able to serve the public free from management abuse and partisan political pressure. We encourage individuals to apply for this position even if you are not currently an expert in all the position duties described below. We do not expect applicants to know everything; however, we do expect applicants to be willing to lead efforts in each of these areas. This may involve seeking outside expert advice and training on techniques for which you are not yet familiar. To be considered for this position, however, applicants must satisfy the minimum qualifications and provide all applicable documents as set forth in the Requirements and Required Documents sections below by the closing date of the announcement. MSPB values inclusivity and we also encourage individuals to apply from all gender, race, ethnic, disability, veterans, and other under-represented groups. Your primary responsibilities will also include managing and processing large datasets of qualitative or quantitative information. Analysis of this data will contribute to policy analyses, program assessments, and recommendations to strengthen adherence to merit principles. Your responsibilities will also include stakeholder outreach and providing advisory services to federal agencies. Specifically, your job duties will include: Study design. Qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis. Drawing conclusions based on sound analysis and developing actionable recommendations. Writing the study report and other research-based documents. Making presentations to share findings. Manage the overall study project, including developing the project plan, objectives, and milestones, implementing the plan, controlling scope, meeting milestones, overcoming barriers, and obtaining support and cooperation from management and other participants. Consult with and advise the office director, staff, and other senior MSPB staff members about the meaning and significance of various data sources and analyses and on data reliability, validity, and quality. Work closely with OPE research analysts on projects in a team setting Engage in continuing professional development Develop and maintain continuing professional contacts with senior staff of Federal agencies, professional associations and societies, employee and management organizations, and other parties with an interest or a stake in Federal personnel management and research methods. Collaborate with other federal agencies to obtain information, provide advice, and discuss study findings and/or recommendations. IS THIS JOB FOR ME? The work of an MSPB Social Science Analyst is unique in government. This job might be for you if: This job might NOT be for you if: You like working on long-term projects that have a broad impact on Government operations. You thrive in a high-pressure work environment where you can see the results of your work daily. You enjoy taking on new projects every year or two that cover a variety of topics. You like to pursue a line of research on the same topic over a long period of time. You enjoy writing for and presenting to non-technical audiences such as Federal policy-makers, managers, and HR Specialists. You prefer writing for and presenting to technical audiences and other researchers. You enjoy the challenge of analyzing data to identify trends, patterns, and useable insights to drive agency performance and support continuous improvement. You prefer to work on data that are stable and predictable and doesn\'t require much interpretation. You like working on projects that are driven by stakeholder needs. You prefer to set your own project topics and deadlines. You enjoy working both as a member of a team and individually. You prefer to set your own project topics and deadlines. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level. BASIC REQUIREMENT: In order to be considered for this announcement, applicants must meet one or more of the following: a) Degree: Four full years of education above high school leading to a bachelor\'s or higher degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position; b) Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; or c) Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must meet the following specialized experience requirements. The specialized experience must be equivalent to that of at least one year at the next lower grade level (GS-13) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for these positions includes documented experience: Demonstrating expert knowledge and expertise in one or more of the social sciences to include sociology, anthropology, political science, law, ethnic studies, public policy, psychology, or other relevant fields. Using mastery knowledge of behavioral science research methods, policy analysis methods and/or program evaluation methods. Using knowledge of behavioral research methodologies and survey design. Applying research experience analyzing work environments, work processes, and policies. Conducting program evaluations or similar analyses of HR-related programs. Managing and analyzing large and complex databases related to employment, workforce, or management issues. Using knowledge of advanced statistical analyses and statistical software; and/or Using knowledge of qualitative analyses and text analysis software. Explaining research results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences via presentations and written products. Providing technical assistance to customers or stakeholders. Desirable Qualifications: Experience with Federal personnel databases (e.g. Electronic Human Resources Information data (EHRI), and/or the Civilian Personnel Data File (CPDF), and/or the Office of Personnel Management\'s Business Intelligence tool). Knowledge of Federal human capital policy, programs, and/or employment law. A degree in psychology or the social sciences would be preferred. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Note regarding experience: Specialized experience at the GS-13 level is reflected in research that is difficult and complex, involving many unknowns and obstacles. At this level, basic research guidelines and precedent are limited in usefulness and a high degree of originality is required in defining and solving research problems. At this level, the amount of supervision is minimal and consists of broad guidance and oversight only. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion Announcement Number MP-12454149-24-OPE. Current or former Federal employees or other eligible applicants may apply to both announcements to expand all possibilities of consideration since different referral criteria apply to each type of announcement. See the above announcement for more information. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: 1-800-877-8339. MSPB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER and employment decisions are based on merit factors only. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in an employment decision by this agency, you have the right to seek counseling to resolve your complaint. You must do so within 45 days of the alleged discrimination action. If you desire to seek counseling, call the MSPB Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202 653-6772, Ext 4405. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.
