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Biological Science Administrator (Program Director), AD-0401-04

National Science Foundation
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a permanent Program Director position in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB), Directorate for Biological Sciences in Alexandria, VA.

For more information about MCB, please click here.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/03/2019 to 12/17/2019
Salary
$142,443 to - $182,627 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 04
Location
Alexandria, VA
FEW vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
04
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
MCB-2020-0001
Control number
553249500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information

Duties

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MCB supports fundamental theory-driven research that leads to quantitative and predictive understanding of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels. The Division gives high priority to research projects that use theory, methods, and technologies from physical sciences, mathematics, computational sciences, and engineering to address major biological questions.

The Division invests in projects that support research at the interfaces of biology and physical sciences or engineering, introduce new analytical and conceptual tools for biological research, or provide unique education and training opportunities for the next generation of researchers, scientific educators, and scientifically literate citizens.

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 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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Background investigation
  • 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

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in a science or engineering field relevant to any of the scientific areas encompassed by MCB, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience.

MCB is seeking 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 appropriate for the cellular dynamics and function cluster. The cluster supports research proposals that apply quantitative, predictive, theory driven approaches to all areas of cell biology, with an emphasis on evolutionary approaches to understanding rules to govern cellular behavior, to integrated modeling and experimental approaches, and to approaches that address integration of function with emerging cellular properties across broad spatial and temporal scales.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

Additional information

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds

This announcement is open to All US Citizens 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.

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 :

  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.

To preview questions please click here.

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