Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law requires Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching the Citizenship Affidavit to their application. (See Required Documents). This also applies to individuals considered for IPA assignments to NSF. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered eligible.

Serves as Division Director, Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) and as a member of the leadership team of the Directorate for Biological Sciences. DBI contributes to NSF mission by supporting the development and enhancement of biological resources, human capital, and centers. These investments underpin advances in all areas of biological research. DBI supports for research resources includes development of informatics tools and resources, development of new instrumentation, the curatorial improvement and computerization of research collections, improvements of research facilities at biological field stations and marine laboratories as well as in living stock collections. The incumbent provides leadership through the Division to both the research community and among infrastructure providers. Maintains a vision and commitment to support research experiences at all educational levels. Responsible for managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of division staff and resources, including for major research equipment and facilities. This includes directing the activities of the Division of Biological Infrastructure, assessing needs and trends, developing breakthrough opportunities, implementing overall strategic planning, and policy setting. Supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior level DBI staff (Deputy Division Director), program officers, administrative and support personnel. Determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, performs project management oversight for facilities, centers, and other major projects, and oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations. Represents NSF to relevant external groups and fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations and the academic community.

Conditions of employment

           One year probationary period required for all new Career SES appointments.

           Requires an “Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report” (OGE-278).

           Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Security Clearance.

Qualifications

EXECUTIVE/MANAGERIAL (E/Ms): Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the E/Ms.  If you fail to do so, you will be rated as "ineligible."

Essential

1. Leading Change.  This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent in this E/M is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

2. Leading People.  This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.  Inherent in the E/M is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

3. Results-Driven Leadership.  This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations.  Inherent in the E/M is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

4. Business Acumen.  This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

5. Building Coalitions.  This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, non-profit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL (P/Ts): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualification. You must address each technical qualification separately.

Essential

1. Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience or a combination of education and equivalent experience in at least one of the major disciplinary fields managed by the Directorate for Biological Sciences (molecular and cellular biosciences, environmental biology, integrative organismal systems) is required, with demonstrated experience in developing or managing biological infrastructure programs or large collaborative projects preferred.
2. Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship and leadership in biological sciences as evidenced in publications and other professional contributions is required, with practical knowledge of cyberinfrastructure, instrumentation and resources such as biological collections and field stations, and how these integrate into the research enterprise being strongly desirable.
3. Skill in recognizing, developing, and implementing approaches and programs which build on the expertise and knowledge of researchers and educators in other disciplines to develop solutions to important cross-cutting research and education challenges.
4. Broad understanding of universities and other institutions where research and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is conducted, including knowledge of grant administration and fiscal management in biological sciences research support.

When responding to the P/T and E/M qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the E/Ms and P/Ts.

Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of the programs managed and program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.

Applicants who do not provide narrative statements addressing both the E/M and P/T qualifications will only be considered for an IPA assignment, if applicable.

Applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive/Managerial Qualifications (ECQs/EMs); but a narrative statement for each of the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs/PTs) is recommended.

To view additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification (ECQs) statements, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications. 

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/

 

Security Clearance: Public Trust - Background Investigation

How you will be evaluated

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

Applicants will be evaluated by an Evaluation Panel of senior officials.  The panel will rate and rank applicants on the basis of the quality and extent of total accomplishments, experience and education.  The panel will determine the degree to which candidates possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the professional/technical qualifications of the position and the executive/managerial qualifications to determine the best qualified candidates. The best qualified candidates will be referred to the appropriate official who will recommend selection. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit reason. 

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