Human cognitive science encompasses a wide range of topics, including attention, learning, memory, decision-making, language, social cognition, and emotions. The Cognitive Neuroscience program supports highly innovative proposals that employ brain-based measurements in order to advance our understanding of the neural systems that mediate cognitive processes. Applicants are expected to be knowledgeable about the new frontiers in cognitive neuroscience research including investigations that integrate data at different spatial and temporal scales. Familiarity with recent methodological advances wherein computational cognitive models may directly inform neuroimaging results is also expected.

The responsibilities of the NSF Program Director are constantly evolving. The Program Director is guided by the goals of NSF's Strategic Plan: (1) transform the frontiers of science and engineering, (2) stimulate innovation and address societal needs through research and education, and (3) excel as a Federal Science Agency. The core strategies NSF staff employs include developing intellectual capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships. Responsibilities of the Program Director include, for example, long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program or program cluster, the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations, the preparation of press releases, feature articles and material describing advances in the research supported, and coordination and liaison with other programs in NSF, other Federal agencies and organizations. The Program Director will have specific responsibilities that include the following:

• Articulate a vision for the future of the discipline and allocate program resources to maintain a balance of support to meet the field's needs and future development;
• Maintain an effective merit review system and post-award action process;
• Participate in one or more cross-cutting activities within the Foundation;
• Work cooperatively across the Division, Directorate, Foundation and with other agencies to accomplish the mission of NSF;
• Participate in interagency meetings, coordinating groups, special task groups, staff meetings, and site visits;
• Assess trends and opportunities in the field with assistance of advisory panels;
• Pursue affirmative action and EEO goals in selection of reviewers, panelist and grantees;
• Represent the program to the scientific community and the public;
• Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in the program field through participation in meetings and conferences and by undertaking other relevant activities;
• Pursue a personal scholarly research agenda, with results presented at professional meetings and published in academic journals, as workload permits.

Conditions of employment

• Background investigation.

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

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience or a closely related field, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. Experience and expertise in basic research areas relevant to the goals of BCS and other programs such as Perception, Action, and Cognition would be especially beneficial. In addition to above qualifications, the ability to organize, implement and manage a proposal-driven grant program, allocate resources to meet a spectrum of goals and insure transparency and accountability in the grant award/declination management process is highly desired. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively and work productively with the scientific community, peers and co-workers at all levels to advocate program policies and plans and to fulfill NSF's mission.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities 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. Ability to communicate effectively and work productively with the scientific community, peers, and co-workers at all levels to advocate program policies and plans and to fulfill NSF’s mission.
2. Ability to organize, implement and manage a proposal-driven grant program, allocating resources to meet a spectrum of goals, including insuring integrity and consistency in the grant award/declination management process.
3. Knowledge of management and organizational concepts, principles, practices and techniques with expertise in large project management and/or research administration.