Applicants wishing to apply for a Permanent Appointment should see Job Announcement BCS-2017-0006.
We are seeking a candidate for a Program Director position in the Geography and Spatial Sciences (GSS) Program, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, Arlington, VA.
The BCS Division supports research to develop and advance scientific knowledge about humans spanning areas of inquiry including brain, behavior, language, culture, origins, evolution, geography and environment. BCS programs consider proposals that fall squarely within disciplines, but they also encourage and support interdisciplinary projects. All programs in BCS consider proposals for research projects, conferences, and workshops. BCS participates in special initiatives and competitions on a number of topics including human-natural system interactions, children's research, cognitive neuroscience, human origins, and information technology. There is also infrastructure support to improve data resources, data archives, collaboratories, and centers.
For more information on the division, please visit the BCS Home Page.
Summary
Applicants wishing to apply for a Permanent Appointment should see Job Announcement BCS-2017-0006.
We are seeking a candidate for a Program Director position in the Geography and Spatial Sciences (GSS) Program, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, Arlington, VA.
The BCS Division supports research to develop and advance scientific knowledge about humans spanning areas of inquiry including brain, behavior, language, culture, origins, evolution, geography and environment. BCS programs consider proposals that fall squarely within disciplines, but they also encourage and support interdisciplinary projects. All programs in BCS consider proposals for research projects, conferences, and workshops. BCS participates in special initiatives and competitions on a number of topics including human-natural system interactions, children's research, cognitive neuroscience, human origins, and information technology. There is also infrastructure support to improve data resources, data archives, collaboratories, and centers.
For more information on the division, please visit the BCS Home Page.
The GSS program supports basic research dealing with a variety of topics associated with geographic dimensions of human, physical, and biotic systems on the Earth. Investigations into the nature, causes, and consequences of human activity within particular places and spaces and extensions to regional and global spheres are especially encouraged. Projects examining a variety of domestic and international topics qualify for support if they show promise of contributing to scholarship by enhancing geographic knowledge, concepts, theories, and their application to societal problems and concerns.
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, and 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, panelists, 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
Preview questions at bottom of Qualifications & Evaluations--see tab above.
You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of the job announcement. You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.
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.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Geography and/or another spatial scientific 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.
In addition to above qualification, 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.
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.
Relocation expenses may be paid subject to funds availability.
NSF is relocating to Alexandria, VA. 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.
This Program Director position is in the bargaining unit.
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.
Quality Ranking Factors
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.
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.
Knowledge of management and organizational concepts, principles, practices and techniques.
Ability to work collaboratively with representatives of other programs and agencies so as to enhance interdisciplinary research and the mission of NSF.
Ability to assess trends and opportunities in the field with the assistance of the advisory panel and expertise from other sources.
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 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 adsearch@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, VA 22230
US
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.
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 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 adsearch@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, VA 22230
US
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.
