The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for an Interdisciplinary (Science Policy Analyst) position in the National Science Board Office (NSBO), Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for an Interdisciplinary (Science Policy Analyst) position in the National Science Board Office (NSBO), Alexandria, VA.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
The National Science Board (NSB, the Board) was established by the Congress in 1950 to serve both as an independent national science policy body and to oversee and guide the activities of the NSF. It has dual responsibilities to (a) provide national science and engineering policy advice to the President and the Congress and (b) establish policies for the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The Board oversees NSF as it carries out its statutory responsibility to maintain the health of the Nation’s science and engineering enterprise by funding research in all the basic sciences and engineering. NSF also supports innovative education programs from kindergarten through graduate school, preparing future generations of scientists and engineers and contributing to a more scientifically literate workforce and society.
The Board establishes NSF policies, identifies issues that are critical to NSF’s future, approves NSF’s strategic budget directions, approves annual budget submissions to the Office of Management and Budget, and approves new programs and major awards. The Board analyzes NSF’s budget to ensure progress and consistency along the strategic direction set for NSF and to ensure balance between initiatives and core programs.
In its role as policy advisor to the President and the Congress, the Board initiates and conducts studies on a broad range of policy topics related to science and engineering research and education, presents the results and Board recommendations in reports and policy statements to the President and the Congress, and makes these documents available to the research and educational communities and the public. On a biennial basis, the Board publishes Science and Engineering Indicators, a detailed examination of the state of science and engineering in the United States. Through its major policy studies, the Board makes important contributions to the national policy debate on critical issues in science and engineering.
The National Science Board Office (NSBO) is the focal point for coordinating the development and analyses of a broad range of policy-level issues and strategies requiring Board attention and/or action. By providing direct administrative, operational staff and policy support to the Board, the mission of the NSBO is to advise and assist the NSB in fulfilling its obligation to govern the NSF and advance research and education in science and engineering. This includes coordination with the NSF Director’s Office and other NSF offices to ensure successful development of Board activities and effective and informed service to Board Members. The responsibilities of the NSBO fall into four areas – Board operations, administration, and policy support, and communications and external engagement with stakeholders. NSBO staff liaisons and executive secretaries selected from throughout NSF support the activities of the Board’s five standing committees and a variety of ad hoc committees, subcommittees and task forces.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Director of the Executive Secretariat, the Science Policy Analyst is responsible for supporting the Board in its deliberations on national and NSF-specific science and engineering policy issues through regular Board activities and special assignments and projects.
The Science Policy Analyst is expected to work with minimal guidance, to exercise independent judgment and initiative, and to handle sensitive or confidential matters related to the Board. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Policy Analysis
Pursuing intensive research of complex and often difficult national policy issues in science and engineering.
Maintaining awareness of opportunities and issues being considered by the Board and relevant past Board actions. When appropriate, the incumbent generates options for action, describes arguments for and against each option and recommends courses of action.
Collecting, analyzing, contextualizing, and explaining data.
Assisting executive secretaries and liaisons to support committees and other subdivisions of the Board, by contributing to talking points, minutes, presentations, and logistical support. Serving as a Board committee or task force liaison as needed.
Researching and writing background papers, presentations, reports, policy briefs, testimony, speeches, editorials and other written materials related to issues of interest to the Board.
Contributing to high-level discussions as initiated by the Board regarding science and engineering policy.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
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 a STEM related field plus OR a master’s degree in a STEM related field plus after award of the degree, two 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.
Additional information
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
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.
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, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away.
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
Knowledge of national policy issues specific to STEM, STEM education, and/or NSF.
Experienced in federal science policy analysis and development.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and experienced in engagement strategies, including with Congress.
Experience with Boards and/or other high-level officials.
Ability to manage and collaborate on complex projects.
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, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away.
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. 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. 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.
