Responsibilities

WHAT DOES A DATA SCIENTIST DO? The Data Scientist utilizes advanced analytical, statistical, and computer programming skills to develop data- driven solutions to difficult business challenges. As a data scientist, you are responsible for conducting data-centric projects to provide insight and informed decisions for mission- oriented programs of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which may impact multiple program segments, divisions, the Service, or segments of the taxpayer population. This is accomplished by utilizing a wide range of technical competencies such as statistics and machine learning, coding languages, data wrangling, and reporting and visualization techniques. The Data Scientist may lead team or cross functional projects, and will apply critical thinking, problem solving and ability to communicate complex analysis to advance the use of data-driven decision making in IRS operations.

WHAT IS THE LARGE BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL (LB&I) DIVISION OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE? The Large Business and International (LB&I) business unit provides service and enforcement activities to support tax compliance of businesses and related entities with assets of $10 million or more, as well as small U.S. businesses engaged in international, U.S. citizens abroad, and foreign persons and businesses with a U.S. tax requirement.

As a Data Scientist, you will:

• Serve as a technical expert with responsibility for the initiation, planning, implementation, controlling, modifying and executing of all or part of an entire project, including such tasks as formulation of workload estimates for program segments, specification of the methodology to be used, preparation of appropriate specifications and procedures, and review of computer systems specifications and materials and instructions needed for assuring the adequacy of the project’s design and objectives.
• Explore novel methods of retrieving data and develop innovative recommendations to management and senior leadership as a means for making data driven decisions such as modification of processes and policies. Review, evaluate, validate, and document the results of the findings.
• Assist the supervisor in determining the scope, goals and schedules for future programs in the Office. Collaborate with business or technology partners to understand business needs, identify opportunities, and develop and implement analytical solutions.
• Identify and assess relevant data sources’ validity and reliability to meet project needs. Collate, clean, transform, analyze, and integrate structured and unstructured data from various sources in preparation for analysis.
• Apply statistical methods and concepts including data mining, statistical theory and research procedures to test hypotheses using structured and unstructured data. Develop data product solutions to improve customer experiences, anomaly detection, and business outcomes. Develop proofs of concept or demonstrations to evaluate feasibility of project solutions and recommend visualization strategies.
• Document project work and review deliverables for validity, reliability and timeliness. Communicate analytic solutions to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including during executive- level and/or cross-agency meetings, in a clear and effective manner using oral and written communications.
• Maintain knowledge of state-of-the-art innovations in data science from both academic and industry sources and identify opportunities for implementation. Engage in general professional development to improve knowledge of IRS processes/programs.
• Apply computer based mathematical/statistical techniques using software. Lead or participate in statistical projects or studies in survey sampling (design and estimation), modeling, or statistical research. Apply knowledge of programming/coding language (i.e., SQL, SAS, SPSS, RStudio) to develop scripts or applications.
• Act as a troubleshooter in resolving bottlenecks at any step in a project by identifying and proposing solutions; this may include coordination with other project team members or stakeholders to mitigate issues.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OTHER IRS CAREERS? If you want to find out more about IRS careers, visit us on the web at www.jobs.irs.gov