KEY REQUIREMENTS



• Background investigation.
• Preview questions are the Quality Ranking Factors listed below.

As Program Director you are responsible for the management of research and other scientific activities primarily through Federal grants and contracts to: academic, non-profit, and non-academic institutions such as professional organizations and the private sector.  You will be responsible for administration of the merit review of submitted proposals, managing an effective, timely peer review process, ensuring broad participation of reviewers and increasing involvement of under-represented groups, and making building an award portfolio that supports the vision and goals of NSF and MCB.  You will process awards and declinations, contacting successful applicants prior to the award of the grant and unsuccessful applicants as necessary.  You will also be responsible for encouraging and supporting integrative, synthetic, and interdisciplinary research involving the biological sciences.  Additional duties and responsibilities include the following:

1.  Managing resources so as to insure: a) integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflict-of-interest, b) balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and c) participation of all qualified scientists.  You will be responsible for planning and administration of programs within the framework of legislation, agency policies, missions, objectives, and resources.  You will serve as spokesperson for the Division to the scientific community.  You will be responsible for long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science assigned to you within the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences.

2.  Coordinating and serving as liaison with other programs in NSF and other Federal agencies and organizations.  You will provide scientific expertise, evaluation and advice for other programs in NSF, including international programs, other research programs, and cross-directorate programs. You will maintain a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research and education enterprise either through Program, Division, Directorate, Foundation, or interagency activities.

3.  Providing assistance to investigators whenever feasible.  You will follow the progress of grantees through site visits, progress and fiscal reports, and correspondence.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of the job announcement.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in a field with an emphasis in any of the scientific areas encompassed by MCB. In addition applicants must have six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience beyond the Ph.D. in one of these scientific areas.  

Preference will be given to candidates who are tenured faculty members with a strong record of research accomplishments and a progressive vision for the emerging areas in molecular and cellular biology. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, but MCB is particularly interested in individuals with expertise in genetic mechanisms, cellular processes, and in the use of mathematical, systems engineering, and computational approaches in molecular and cellular biosciences.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position. We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below.  This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS

1. Demonstrated  record of original scientific investigation in research areas relevant to the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences as evidenced by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

2. Demonstrated ability to sustain a successful, competitively-funded and independent research program.

3. Demonstrated leadership within the scientific community as evidenced by e.g. service on editorial boards, on grant review panels and advisory boards, and service to professional societies.

4. Understanding and promotion of the broader impacts of scientific research and education.

Preview questions are the Quality Ranking Factors listed above.
To preview questions please click here.

A GREAT LOCATION!  The National Science Foundation is conveniently located one block from the Ballston Metro Station, a few blocks from Routes 66 and 50, and about three miles from downtown Washington.  Employees may rent parking spaces in the building garage.  There are many shops and restaurants within easy walking distance.  Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:

-    Pre-tax parking
-    Public transportation subsidy
-    Child development center on site
-    Child care subsidy
-    Flexible working hours
-    Telecommuting
-    Physical fitness facility on site
-    NSF Federal Credit Union on site
-    Health services unit on site
-    Employee assistance program

OTHER INFORMATION:

If you do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility, you will not obtain civil service status if selected. If you are currently in the competitive civil service, you will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected.  

Relocation expenses will be paid subject to funds availability.

This Program Director position is in the bargaining unit.

You must submit your application so that it will be received by the closing date of the announcement.

You may submit a resume or other application document of your choice.  Please include the job announcement number and your country of citizenship.  You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation, along with a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement.  This information will be used in the evaluation process.  We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form.  This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.

For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.

NSF is an environmentally conscious Federal agency dedicated to paper reduction. Please help support our efforts by submitting all application materials via email. This will facilitate timely receipt and help save our environment. Applications and other materials should be transmitted electronically no later than midnight of the closing date to adsearch@nsf.gov.  Please include the job announcement number and your country of citizenship in the subject line of the email.  

If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-5090 for assistance.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please review your application packet to ensure that you have submitted all documentation that you want considered.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Shortly after the announcement closes, you will be notified as to whether or not you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you do, you will receive further consideration and evaluation. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview. Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.