Applied Research Mhemician / Quantum Computing
- Mid to Expert Level (Maryland) Department of Defense Nional Security Agency/Central Security Service Summary NSA's Mhemics Research Group conducts world-class mhemical research with the objective of developing new and innovive techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC).
We are actively seeking mhemicians to join our Mhemics Research Group. For more informion, please : https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258026 Learn more about this agency Summary NSA's Mhemics Research Group conducts world-class mhemical research with the objective of developing new and innovive techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC). We are actively seeking mhemicians to join our Mhemics Research Group. For more informion, please : https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258026 Learn more about this agency Overview Help Accepting applicions Posted this month
- Apply today Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 4, 2026 Locion Few vacancies in the following locion: Fort Meade, MD No mching locions found. Work site options Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocion expenses reimbursed Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocion expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $105,262
- $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade GG 11
- 15 Promotion potential None Learn more about pay scale and grade Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required Appointment type Permanent Occupions and job series 0132 Intelligence Supervisory stus No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Informion Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance . The type depends on the job. Background check type Nional security Financial disclosure required Yes Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests. Announcement number 1258026 Control number 870236500 This job is open to Help The public U.S. Citizens, Nionals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Federal employees
- Excepted service Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluion criteria.
Veterans Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference Individuals with disabilities Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A. Videos Duties Help NSA conducts world-class research with the objective of developing new and innovive techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC). We are actively seeking experienced mhemicians or physicists with subject mter expertise in quantum computing or post-quantum cryptography to support NSA's and the US Government's stregic efforts. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team with a proven track record of developing impactful research results, then please apply for this position. Candides expected to engage with the NSA and US government efforts in these fields, identify important research problems within this space, and conduct research to support NSA and US government goals. Candides must have research and/or development experience in post-quantum cryptography or quantum computing. Demonstrions of this could include publishing in academic journals or delivering operional solutions to technical problems for customers from government or industry. A PhD is not required, although candides must have acquired an advanced level of experience and mastery beyond simply taking a few courses. Demonstred success with effective technical writing and the ability to explain results to a non-technical audience is desirable. Experience with least one of the following programming languages and/or software packages is desirable: C/C++, Rust, Python, SageMh, MAGMA. The ideal candide will have a grounded background in mhemical tools, techniques, and theory, as well as a drive to apply th knowledge to complex and often ambiguous real-world situions. The ideal candide will also have the ability to prototype and implement solutions in computer code/scripting, and a desire to stretch outside their comfort zone in a career th offers lifelong learning opportunities. While the primary research focus for this position is quantum computing and/or post-quantum cryptography, candides could also have the option to contribute to other mhemics research efforts of interest to NSA. These efforts involve a wide range of areas of mhemics, including linear algebra, number theory, probability, stistics, analysis, graph theory, or other areas of theoretical mhemics. Other areas of interest include cryptomhemics, algorithm development, computer network security, and vulnerability analysis. Interest in any of these areas is not required, but looked upon favorably. Requirements Help Conditions of employment All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigion and polygraph. Qualificions The qualificions listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Mhemics, Physics, Engineering, Da Science, Computer Science, Stistics, or a reled STEM field. Degree(s) must include least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mhemics courses. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluion of mhemics 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. For Senior and Expert work levels, leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement.
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. SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. EXPERT Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of experience. Educion The qualificions listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Mhemics, Physics, Engineering, Da Science, Computer Science, Stistics, or a reled STEM field. Degree(s) must include least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mhemics courses. Additional informion
Pay:
Salary offers are based on candides' educion level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account informion provided by the hiring manager/organizion regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range:
$105,262
- $197,200 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert) Salary range varies by locion, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training 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).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizional goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment termined unless you receive certificion, in writing, th your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certificion for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period th your employment termined and the effective de of such terminion. Expand Hide additional informion Candides should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passione about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United Stes Constitution. Benefits Help 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 th are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal 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 informion on the specific benefits offered. How you evalued You evalued for this job based on how well you meet the qualificions above.
Candides must possess:
- Research and/or development experience (beyond basic coursework) in quantum computing or post-quantum cryptography.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Desire for continual learning.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within unique teams. The ideal candide has excellent problem solving, communicion, and interpersonal skills. The following knowledge and skills would also be useful:
- Knowledge of mhemical concepts, principles, and theories and familiarity with other scientific and engineering disciplines
- Knowledge of mhemics and reled disciplines to design, develop and adapt scientific methods and technologies.
- Knowledge of analytical techniques to develop, simule, and analyze da.
- Knowledge of computer operions and standard software applicions.
- Ability to conduct research, including studies, experiments, and investigions.
- Ability to analyze da using approprie tools.
- Ability to analyze problems to determine technical solutions.
- Experience creing computer algorithms, da models, and protocols.
- Ability to identify new applicions of known techniques.
- Ability to analyze da using stistical methods.
- Ability to analyze new algorithms and protocols.
- Experience developing and applying mhemical or computional methods.
Benefits Help 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 th are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal 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 informion on the specific benefits offered. Required documents Required Documents Help The Nional 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 Stes Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candides 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. If you are relying on your educion to meet qualificion requirements: Educion must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Educion in order for it to be credited towards qualificions. Therefore, provide only the tendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Educion . Failure to provide all of the required informion as sted in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible ring or may affect the overall ring. How to Apply Help To apply, please : https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258026 Agency contact informion NSA POC Phone 1-844-424-4737 intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring 9800 Savage Road Fort Meade, MD 20755 US Next steps To apply, please : https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258026 Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probionary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodion policy Selective Service Signure and false stements Social security number request Required Documents Help The Nional 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 Stes Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candides 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. If you are relying on your educion to meet qualificion requirements: Educion must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Educion in order for it to be credited towards qualificions. Therefore, provide only the tendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Educion . Failure to provide all of the required informion as sted in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible ring or may affect the overall ring. How to Apply Help To apply, please : https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258026 Expand Hide how to apply Agency contact informion NSA POC Phone 1-844-424-4737 intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring 9800 Savage Road Fort Meade, MD 20755 US Next steps To apply, please : https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258026 Expand Hide next steps Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probionary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodion policy Selective Service Signure and false stements Social security number request Overview Help Accepting applicions Posted this month
- Apply today Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 4, 2026 Locion Few vacancies in the following locion: Fort Meade, MD No mching locions found. Work site options Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocion expenses reimbursed Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocion expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $105,262
- $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade GG 11
- 15 Promotion potential None Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required Appointment type Permanent Occupions and job series Supervisory stus No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Informion Position sensitivity and risk Jobs require a and some require a . The type depends on the job. Background check type Financial disclosure required Yes Some jobs require to identify conflicts of interests. Announcement number 1258026 Control number 870236500
