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.

The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) is the designated single point manager for the United States Antarctic Program. The Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) supports research in all areas of science in Antarctica and works in close collaboration with OPP's Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL), other parts of OPP and NSF, other U.S. Agencies, and National programs in other countries in supporting forefront research in Antarctica.

The incumbent will be responsible for managing a dynamic proposal driven research grants program. The AOE program director manages a research portfolio directed at all levels of biologically related organization from molecular, cellular, and organismal to communities, ecosystems, and global processes. Investigators apply theory and technology to understanding how organisms adapt and live in high latitude marine and/or terrestrial environments and how ecosystems may respond to global change. The incumbent should have experience in biologically related science, including experience pertinent to the management challenges presented by covering the broad scope of biological research encompassed by the program. The AOE program director also coordinates with AIL, other programs in OPP and throughout NSF, other funding agencies and international partners to achieve program goals. Through interactions with the community and related research programs within ANT, in other divisions of NSF, or in other organizations, the Program Director will have the opportunity to shape future directions for the program.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Management

1. Runs and manages the merit review process (e.g. election of reviewers and panelists) for the Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems Program in accordance with NSF policies and develops recommendations for award based on reviewer advice, their knowledge of the scientific problems and work proposed, as well as appropriate regard for program balance.
2. Oversees NSF-funded Antarctic science programs in a broad range of activities within the AOE portfolio.
3. Works with his/her counterparts in ANT to assure appropriate integration of research projects with Antarctic science support infrastructure.
4. Evaluates the utilization of scientific and logistical resources for AOE research. Functions as an agent for change when improvement, innovation, or redirection of activity is warranted.
5. Manages AOE Program resources. Convenes external oversight and management reviews as necessary.

B. Planning

1. Develops long-range scientific projections for biological sciences in the Antarctic with due cognizance for the total scope and nature of polar scientific activities, the resources available or required, and the national and international interests to be served.
2. Leads and facilitates community leadership for planning for potential future science activities within the program.
3. Works with other Section and Office managers as needed to plan and implement Antarctic field projects and to ensure maximum utilization of resources by projects when deployed to Antarctica.

C. Coordination

1. Advises the Section Head on programs of international exchange and cooperation in programmatic areas of interest to ANT.
2. Serves as the Section representative or Liaison officer with national and international scientific committees having purview of related scientific activity.
3. Serves as the focal point for the coordination of the program plans related to the AOE Program with the programs and plans of other NSF programs, with those of other Federal agencies, and with those of other nation's Antarctic programs.
4. Serves on Cross-Directorate Committees and Working-Groups, as requested.

D. Deployment

1. The incumbent will deploy to Antarctica to review programs in the field as needed and to evaluate existing support modes, practices and methodologies with the goal of improving science support infrastructure for research.
2. As NSF Science Representative, the incumbent will deploy to Antarctica as required for performance of duties. Deployment is anticipated to generally be for a few weeks annually but may be for periods of up to two months. In this role, the incumbent works with on-site scientists, stateside principal investigators, other program directors in ANT, OPP Management, AIL Staff, and with the NSF Representative to prioritize science support needs during the course of fieldwork.

E. Other Responsibilities.

1. Serves as the recognized expert in his/her field of specializations; as such she/he represents the Office and the Foundation in external liaison activities in this field and serves as expert advisor within the Foundation on matters bearing on this field.
2. Develops educational and other initiatives in order to promote diversity and broader impacts of the AOE Program.
3. Follows NSF/OPP, ANT and US Antarctic Program policies and guidelines in the implementation of duties.
4. Discharges other responsibilities as may be assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Background investigation.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
• Physical Exam according to U.S. Antarctic Program standards.

Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to U.S. Antarctic Program medical and dental standards for extended summer deployment to Antarctica.

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. in biological science or other relevant disciplines supported by AOE plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

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. Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and theories relevant to Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems as demonstrated by publications, invited talks, and/or professional recognition.
2. Research, analytical and technical writing skills which evidence the ability to manage an externally reviewed proposal-driven grants program and to perform extensive inquiry into a wide variety of significant issues and make recommendations and decisions based on findings.
3. Ability to interact effectively with members of the scientific community, representatives of other federal agencies, foreign national programs and peers to effectively present, advocate and advance program policies, plans and goals.