The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Program Director position within the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL), Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), Alexandria Virginia.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Program Director position within the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL), Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), Alexandria Virginia.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
DRL invests in the improvement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning for people of all ages by promoting innovative research, development and evaluation of learning and teaching across all STEM disciplines in formal and informal settings.
The Division is seeking candidates with expertise in research on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning at the pre-K -12 level in the following areas:
Mathematics
Engineering
Cyberlearning
Science (all fields supported by NSF)
Learning sciences, cognitive science and neuroscience, as applied to STEM teaching and learning
The division is particularly interested in persons with strong qualitative or quantitative methodological expertise.
Duties of the Program Director are 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 incumbent Program Director will be knowledgeable in the scientific areas covered by the program and will help identify emerging opportunities in the Geosciences. In addition, the incumbent will be required to undertake the design, development, analysis, documentation, management and implementation of programs and activities within the program and across disciplinary boundaries. The responsibilities of the Program Director will include long-range planning for the areas of science represented by the program; administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations; preparation of press releases, feature articles, and material describing advances in the research supported; and coordination with other NSF programs as well as those at other Federal agencies and organizations.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Maintain a healthy balance of support for the needs of the research and education enterprise through program, division, directorate, Foundation, and interagency activities.
Exercise appropriate scientific judgment to ensure integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflicts-of-interest, and with balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and participation of all qualified scientists.
Manage an effective and timely merit review process, with attention to increasing the size and quality of the reviewer pools and ensuring participation of diverse groups, including women, minorities, and disabled scientists.
Provide scientific expertise, evaluation, and advice for other programs in NSF, including international programs, and cross-directorate programs.
Advise and assist in the development of short- and long-range plans and in establishing goals and objectives for research programs. Plan the budget for program/programs considering past, present, and future fiscal years. Allocate resources within that budget distributing resources among major competitive programs and manage post-award evaluation.
Prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
REPRESENTATION, COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP
Represent the Program, Section, Division, and Foundation within the scientific community; with other NSF Divisions; with other agencies and organizations; and with the public, accurately reflecting NSF policy and positions.
Create and maintain linkages to other NSF units and other Federal agencies in pursuit of the overall NSF mission.
Participate in staff, panel, committee, and other meetings and represent the Program in interdisciplinary and cross-directorate activities and programs.
Pursue affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunity goals.
Pursue and/or be responsive to assignments on special projects and temporary functional teams across the Foundation to solve problems, improve staff communication, and effect coordination for special programs.
Contribute ideas for improving the quality of policies and NSF’s performance of its mission. Develop policies and plans for strengthening research and education programs. Provide information to the community on how NSF is pursuing its mission and gather data and impressions from the community on the effectiveness of NSF’s performance of its mission.
Prepare and disseminate informational documents that may include data on progress being made toward NSF’s goals, trends, and budget plans.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in research areas supported by the Program and related areas through participation in professional activities. Maintain familiarity with salient current research developments. Pursue individual research as workload and travel funds permit.
Expand administrative capabilities through training courses or assumption of new management responsibilities.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.
All online applicants must provide 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.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in areas relevant to below listed programs, plus after award of the Ph.D. or Ed.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
The incumbents in these positions will work in multiple programs in DRL depending on the incumbent's particular expertise. Programs include Discovery Research PreK-12 (DRK-12), EHR Core Research (ECR), Cyberlearning Advancing Informal Stem Learning (A/SL), STEM+C and CS for All. The incumbents may also work on cross-directorate and cross-foundation programs such as CAREER or the Foundation's 10 Big Ideas.
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds
This announcement is open to (All US Citizens OR current NSF employees) who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.
Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.
This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown D.C. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away.
Under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, assignees remain on the payroll of his/her home institution and the home institution will continue to administer pay and benefits. NSF will reimburse the home institution for NSF's negotiated share of the cost of the assignment. Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment include employees of State and local government agencies, institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and qualified nonprofit organizations. Under the provisions of the IPA Act, non-citizens may be considered as long as the individual is employed at an IPA-eligible institution. For more information regarding an IPA assignment, visit our website.
For Visiting Scientist appointments, individuals are in a non-pay leave status from their home institutions and are appointed to NSF's payroll as Federal employees. NSF withholds Social Security and provides reimbursement to the home institution for fringe benefits. For information regarding Visiting Scientist appointments, visit our website.
For more information regarding Federal Temporary Appointments, visit OPM's website.
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. In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used.
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
Demonstrated knowledge of, and a record of contributing to, STEM education research in one or more of the priority areas listed in this announcement.
Research, analytical and technical writing expertise as evidenced by publications or other documents.
Ability to organize, implement and manage the review of proposals, articles or other research documents in the broad area of education research and development.
Ability to interact with the scientific and education community and peers, and to advance program policies and plans.
Knowledge of and commitment to broadening participation in STEM.
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown D.C. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away.
Under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, assignees remain on the payroll of his/her home institution and the home institution will continue to administer pay and benefits. NSF will reimburse the home institution for NSF's negotiated share of the cost of the assignment. Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment include employees of State and local government agencies, institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and qualified nonprofit organizations. Under the provisions of the IPA Act, non-citizens may be considered as long as the individual is employed at an IPA-eligible institution. For more information regarding an IPA assignment, visit our website.
For Visiting Scientist appointments, individuals are in a non-pay leave status from their home institutions and are appointed to NSF's payroll as Federal employees. NSF withholds Social Security and provides reimbursement to the home institution for fringe benefits. For information regarding Visiting Scientist appointments, visit our website.
For more information regarding Federal Temporary Appointments, visit OPM's website.
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.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.
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. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. Non citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. 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 that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) 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. 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 assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
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
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.
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. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. Non citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. 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 that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) 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. 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 assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
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
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
