The NSF is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Director in the Science of Science and Innovation Policy (SciSIP) Program in the Directorate for Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) in Arlington, VA.
(SBE) has supported the Science and Innovation Policy Program (SciSIP); a broad-based research program responsive to the needs, in both public and private sectors, for better scientific understanding of the relationships between science policies and innovation. Understanding the complex linkages between research and development (R&D) investments and the fundamental underpinnings that lead to innovation and social changes is important to identifying, implementing and evaluating policy choices. SciSIP activities develop the foundations of an evidence-based platform from which policymakers and researchers may assess the impacts on the nation's scientific & engineering enterprise, improve their understanding of its dynamics, and predict outcomes.
There are three components to (SciSIP) activities: research, data collection, and community development and outreach. Investigator related research develops usable knowledge and theories of creative processes & their transformation into social and economic outcomes. SciSIP works closely with SBE's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics on improving and expanding science metrics, datasets and analytical tools, yielding changes in the bi-annual science and engineering indicators and other data collections. SciSIP outreach & community development activities include developing a community of practice across the Federal government, industry & universities.
For more information regarding the (SciSIP) program, please visit SciSIP.
NSF is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. In late summer of 2017, NSF will begin the transition from its current location in Arlington, VA to 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. The new location is adjacent to a Metro station (Eisenhower Avenue on the Yellow Line) and there is ample parking in the area. There are several amenities nearby, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Summary
The NSF is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Director in the Science of Science and Innovation Policy (SciSIP) Program in the Directorate for Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) in Arlington, VA.
(SBE) has supported the Science and Innovation Policy Program (SciSIP); a broad-based research program responsive to the needs, in both public and private sectors, for better scientific understanding of the relationships between science policies and innovation. Understanding the complex linkages between research and development (R&D) investments and the fundamental underpinnings that lead to innovation and social changes is important to identifying, implementing and evaluating policy choices. SciSIP activities develop the foundations of an evidence-based platform from which policymakers and researchers may assess the impacts on the nation's scientific & engineering enterprise, improve their understanding of its dynamics, and predict outcomes.
There are three components to (SciSIP) activities: research, data collection, and community development and outreach. Investigator related research develops usable knowledge and theories of creative processes & their transformation into social and economic outcomes. SciSIP works closely with SBE's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics on improving and expanding science metrics, datasets and analytical tools, yielding changes in the bi-annual science and engineering indicators and other data collections. SciSIP outreach & community development activities include developing a community of practice across the Federal government, industry & universities.
For more information regarding the (SciSIP) program, please visit SciSIP.
NSF is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. In late summer of 2017, NSF will begin the transition from its current location in Arlington, VA to 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. The new location is adjacent to a Metro station (Eisenhower Avenue on the Yellow Line) and there is ample parking in the area. There are several amenities nearby, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops.
The responsibilities of the NSF program officer are constantly evolving. The program officer is guided by the goals of NSF’s Strategic Plan: (1) enable the United States to uphold a position of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, and engineering, (2) promote the discovery, integration, dissemination, and employment of new knowledge in service to society, and (3) achieve excellence in U.S. science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing intellectual capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships.
The responsibilities of the NSF Program officer 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. Additional duties and responsibilities include:
Represents the National Science Foundation, as required, on national and international committees, boards, panels, etc. Interprets NSF policies for groups and acts as liaison between these and the Foundation.
Determines the need for workshops and special studies and works with the directorate's scientific staff in the development of such activities, including defining their purpose and identifying areas of emphasis.
Establishes administrative procedures for special meetings of oversight review panels to evaluate the operations of the program.
Provides advice and assistance in the development and revision of suitable internal program structures, the arrangement of program and project goals and levels of effort, and the continuing review, evaluation, and coordination of all program activities.
Furthers equal opportunity through fair treatment of women, minority group members, and persons with disabilities, and sensitivity to the issues involving these groups in the workplace and in advice rendered. Participates in NSF efforts to broaden participation in the STEM workforce through its policies and programs.
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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.
Qualifications
The incumbent must have a Ph.D. in a social science field, as it relates to the SciSIP Program; plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. In addition the ability to participate in the leadership of a research organization; a record of accomplishment in their field of study; detailed understanding of the resource needs of social and economic scientists and appropriate modes of support; ability to recognize current and emerging science trends and recommend new directions. Experience and expertise in basic science research areas relevant to the goals of SBE would be beneficial.
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
Additional 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.
This Program Director position is in the bargaining unit.
Relocation expenses may be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn 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 information on the specific benefits offered.
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. To preview questions please click here.
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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn 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 information on the specific benefits offered.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-Citizens who do not provide this affidavit will only be considered for the IPA Program Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement. 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.
You can fax or upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to rotator@nsf.gov; please ask him/her to put your name and the job announcement number in the subject line.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.
All faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. If you are faxing your information, please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed/uploaded document(s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be submitted online and all document faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Frequently Asked Questions.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position. 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) 292-8044 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
4201 Wilson Blvd
Room 315
Arlington, Virginia 22230
United States
Next steps
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. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website or by tweeting @NSF_Vacancies.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-Citizens who do not provide this affidavit will only be considered for the IPA Program Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement. 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.
You can fax or upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to rotator@nsf.gov; please ask him/her to put your name and the job announcement number in the subject line.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.
All faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. If you are faxing your information, please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed/uploaded document(s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be submitted online and all document faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Frequently Asked Questions.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position. 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) 292-8044 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
4201 Wilson Blvd
Room 315
Arlington, Virginia 22230
United States
Next steps
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. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website or by tweeting @NSF_Vacancies.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
