Become a part of our mission to maintain and strengthen the vitality of the US science and engineering enterprise. For nearly 70 years, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has remained the premier Federal agency supporting basic research at the frontiers of discovery across all fields, as well as science and engineering education at all levels.
Summary
Become a part of our mission to maintain and strengthen the vitality of the US science and engineering enterprise. For nearly 70 years, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has remained the premier Federal agency supporting basic research at the frontiers of discovery across all fields, as well as science and engineering education at all levels.
Serves as an advisor to the Division Director and Deputy Division Director on all scientific and policy matters relating to broad and complex areas of research and support of research in astronomy. Specifically, advises the Division Director on implementation of responses to the recommendations of the National Research Council’s decadal surveys in Astronomy and Astrophysics and in Planetary Science.
Represents the National Science Foundation (NSF), as required on national and international committees, boards, panels, etc. in matters dealing with the disciplines over which the Division has cognizance. Interprets NSF policies for groups and acts as liaison between these and NSF.
Furthers goals of NSF, MPS, and AST in regard to relations and interactions with both the national and international community involved in the oversight, operations, and governance of facilities such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the International Gemini Observatory. Advises and represents, as appropriate, NSF, MPS, and AST regarding strategic oversight and operations of its facilities.
With the Division Director, initiates actions to provide further consideration of emerging and newly developed areas of astronomical research. Determines the need for special studies on own initiative, or as requested by the Division Director and Deputy Division Director, and works with the scientific staff in the development of such studies, including defining the purpose of the study and identifying areas of emphasis.
Responsible for the Division’s planning and implementation of the evolution of its facilities portfolio. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Oversees the development of competitions for management of the AST facilities
Coordinates the execution of the ongoing Decadal Review, including (but not limited to) the discussion of capabilities, cost, risk/risk mitigation, and evolution of AST facilities
Contributes to AST facility oversight through the periodic review process
Plans for evolution and/or divestment of AST facilities in response to budget constraints and the Decadal Survey recommendations, including costs, environmental factors, and recruitment of partners
Coordinates community engagement planning, including outreach and environmental impact studies
Provides mentorship to facilities-related Program Officers, assisting in the development of related best practices
Coordinates all facilities-related data calls for the division, working closely with related NSF staff (e.g. Large Facilities Office, MPS Sr. Advisor for Facilities, Office of General Counsel, etc.)
Vets all facilities-related presentations and packages prepared for Office of the Director and the National Science Board
Mentors and coaches AST new facilities managers and staff on complex facilities-related issues and events that occur over the full life-cycle of major research facilities
Provides assistance in all planning and preparation of the AST facilities and MREFC project sections of the NSF budget, as well as material requested by the LFO, OD, and the NSB and its various committees including the Committee on Awards and Facilities.
Assists the Division in the preparation of annual facility budgets and in the coordination, preparation, and review of annual budgetary documentation.
In support of its mission to address the most compelling scientific questions, educating the future workforce, and promote discoveries meeting the needs of the Nation, MPS/AST invests in the construction and operation of a significant number of large and medium-scale facilities and centers. Although AST support of these facilities is focused on the needs and requirements of the research community, a subset of these facilities and centers have capabilities that are relevant to the Federal National Security community. Engaging the Federal National Security community in substantive discussions on partnership, transition, and divestment of these facilities requires TS/SCI clearance.
Coordinates special projects assigned to the Division. Provides advice and assistance to the Division Director in the preparation and presentation of substantive program reviews, special projects, studies, and cross-directorate activities.
Participates with Division Director and Deputy Division Director in the recruitment of top-level Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignees, Visiting Scientists and other staff.
Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information - Background Investigation
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a field of science or engineering or equivalent professional experience in a field related to the NSF mission or in a field relevant to the duties requires. In addition, candidates must have a strong background and extensive experience in the management and oversight of major astronomical facilities.
Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, and life insurance) are applicable.
You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: You are highly encouraged to address the following professional skills within your cover letter, which will be used during the review process to evaluate your experience and education as related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities desired for this position:
A record of accomplishment in your field
Detailed understanding of the resource needs of astronomical sciences and appropriate modes of support
Ability to recognize current and emerging science trends and recommend new directions
Experience interacting with senior scientific and managerial personnel throughout NSF, other Federal agencies, academia, foreign entities and the private sector of the science community
Superior skill in applying analytic reasoning to complex issues and problems, identifying the key priorities, solutions, and options and making recommendations
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Additional information
This announcement is open to current NSF staff only.
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. For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Frequently Asked Questions
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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 agreements is voluntary.
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. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position. To preview questions please click here.
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. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
Your application should contain the following information:
1. Resume or other application format of your choice.
Information about your education, your major, and type and year of degree(s); and Information about all your work experience, including job titles, duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and phone number, number of hours worked per week, starting and ending dates (month and year), and salary. If you have held various positions with the same employer, describe each separately.
2. Narrative statement addressing your background in terms of the required qualifications and professional skills should be addressed in your cover letter. Your responses should be clear and concise and show the level of responsibility and the level of accomplishment associated with your experience.
3. NSF Form 1232, Applicant Survey. We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. 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 are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a cover letter that describes your background in terms of the professional skills associated with this position. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.
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.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the Monster Government Solutions system to complete your application process; answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please call 1-877-662-7730 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (excluding Federal holidays) for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents."
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement. Hearing impaired individuals should 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.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
Your application should contain the following information:
1. Resume or other application format of your choice.
Information about your education, your major, and type and year of degree(s); and Information about all your work experience, including job titles, duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and phone number, number of hours worked per week, starting and ending dates (month and year), and salary. If you have held various positions with the same employer, describe each separately.
2. Narrative statement addressing your background in terms of the required qualifications and professional skills should be addressed in your cover letter. Your responses should be clear and concise and show the level of responsibility and the level of accomplishment associated with your experience.
3. NSF Form 1232, Applicant Survey. We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. 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 are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a cover letter that describes your background in terms of the professional skills associated with this position. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.
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.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the Monster Government Solutions system to complete your application process; answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please call 1-877-662-7730 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (excluding Federal holidays) for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents."
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement. Hearing impaired individuals should 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.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
