Scientific Linguist Job in Fort George G Meade, Maryland US

Responsibilities

If you have experience in foreign language test development, the National Security Agency's Associate Directorate for Education and Training (ADET) has an immediate opening for you. ADET is looking for an experienced, highly motivated language professional with a strong background in foreign language assessment. Language testing is at the heart of our mission because language test scores underpin readiness reports, influence incentive pay decisions and contribute to training evaluation. If selected, you will join NSA's National Cryptologic School's language testing team, a small group of experts who guide language testing programs across NSA/CSS.

You will develop and deliver courses in foreign language assessment for language instructors and adjunct faculty, oversee test development projects, and ensure testing practices are standardized across the broader language community at NSA/CSS and other Department of Defense and Intelligence Community components.

As a language testing expert for the NSA, you will work with internal and external stakeholders and contractor staff to provide world-class technical leadership to the testing community. Activities will include (but are not limited to):

-- Lead the Center for Language and Area Studies efforts to tighten test development and grading standards across the Level 2 and Level 3 Reading and Listening Tests. Standardize grading through the development of workshops, OJT and quality control programs as dictated by need.
-- Develop and deliver courses in foreign language assessment for language instructors and adjunct faculty;
-- Coordinate with language subject matter experts to ensure language testing meets agency needs;
-- Teach Passage Rating courses for test development;
-- Research second language acquisition and foreign language testing literature to suggest where improvements could be made, especially to translation grading;
--Mentor language teachers across ADET in good assessment practices;
--Work to integrate the Center for Language and Area Studies within the broader NCS community who are working on standards.

Design and develop products to discern the meaning of texts by applying linguistic principles and insights and linguistic research. Specifically, serve as language and linguistics specialists who apply linguistic principles and insights based on knowledge of sub-areas of the field (syntax, morphology, phonology, semantics, discourse analysis, pragmatics), and on linguistic research to such areas as the design and development of curriculum; software; tests and standards; language working aids and dictionaries; and to the discernment of the meaning in texts.

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Qualifications

Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience, or a post-baccalaureate certificate and 10 years of experience, or a Master's degree and 8 years of experience, or a Doctoral degree and 5 years of experience.
* Degree must be in linguistics; computational linguistics; or in a related field (e.g., math, computer science, foreign language, language education) with a minor or focus in linguistics.
* Language teaching experience.
* Experience in scientific linguist disciplines such as applied linguistics (conducting linguistic research to support development of language training materials or language technology), assessments, etc.
* At least 5 years of experience must be in a leadership or technical leadership role.

The ideal candidate will have a Masters degree in Foreign Language, Education, Applied Linguistics or in a related field and 5 years of recent experience in test development, testing project management, foreign language teaching or applied linguistics.

Applicants should have experience with language proficiency standards such as the Interagency Language Roundtable Skill Level Descriptions or the American Council for Teachers of Foreign Languages Guidelines.

Applicants must have strong verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated focus on quality assurance. Project management expertise and experience in either the Intelligence Community or Department of Defense are preferred.

To be successful, you must be highly reliable, organized, and flexible and possess excellent interpersonal skills. Sound judgment, an ability to prioritize tasks, and critical thinking skills are essential. Also key to success are the ability to work with a team and to consistently display a positive, proactive, and professional attitude toward fellow employees and external organizations.

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Pay, Benefits, Work Schedule

Salary is compensurate with education and experience.

Salary range: $89,033 - $155,500

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday.

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How To Apply - External

To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply Now' button located at the top or bottom of this page. After completing the application and clicking the `Submit Final' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Emails regarding your application status will be sent periodically. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@nsa.gov

***PLEASE NOTE:

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. 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 investigation and polygraph.

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DCIPS Disclaimer

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.