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Science Analyst

National Science Foundation
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Science Analyst position for the Integrative Programs Section in the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.

For more information on GEO please click here.

For more information on OCE please click here.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
07/21/2021 to 08/23/2021
Salary
$72,750 to - $134,796 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 02
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
02
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
OCE-2021-0006
Control number
608310400

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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The Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) supports research, infrastructure, and education to advance understanding of all aspects of the global ocean and ocean basins, including their interactions with people and the integrated Earth System.  These activities provide knowledge critical to addressing many of our nation’s most pressing challenges involving earth processes. OCE promotes collaboration and facilitates development of a diverse scientific and educational community, including international efforts.  The Division works with the U.S. ocean sciences academic community to direct funding towards advancing the frontiers of knowledge, developing the next generation of researchers, and enhancing the public’s understanding of ocean sciences.   

The employee in this position reports to the Head of the Integrative Programs Section (IPS) and will primarily provide support for the activities and programs within IPS as well as the related programs across the Division. The position includes a wide spectrum of research facilities, grants policy and process administration activities in support of the organization. In addition, the employee will help develop reports, analyses and presentations regarding the facilities portfolio of the Division. These activities will involve day-to-day interactions with staff throughout the Division, Directorate, other Directorates, and with other Federal Government organizations. The employee will be expected to acquire knowledge of, and experience with, NSF activities regarding the Government Results Performance Act, Committee of Visitor processes, Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, and NSF proposal and award management policies. The employee will also support both in-reach and outreach activities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Major duties for the IPS Science Analyst include, but are not limited to the following:

  • As requested by the Section Head, or Program Directors, develop one-of-a-kind reports, studies, and analyses on oceanographic facilities and related topics for the Division. This may include activities and discussions regarding facilities support of research that involve staff within the Division, Directorate, across NSF organizations, and with external organizations, both public and private. Access to information and data from a wide variety of sources may be required and these data may include Controlled Unclassified Information. The ability to synthesize disparate information into coherent work products is essential.
  • As requested by the Section Head, or Program Directors in IPS, assists in the creation of presentations, including talking points, speeches, or presentation Topics may cover various disciplines supported by NSF. Background information may often need to be gathered from sources within the Division, Directorate, the Agency, or from other sources.
  • Work with the Section Head, and Program Directors to compile and present information on IPS program portfolios and outcomes that inform expert assessment of the overall Division's programs. Results may be published and may be used at Advisory Committee meetings, Committee of Visitors meetings, cross­ directorate meetings, and other internal and external fora.
  • On behalf of the Division, participate in other NSF and interagency activities related to assessment and evaluation of programs relevant to oceanographic facilities, ocean education and ocean technology development. This responsibility includes liaisons with, and contributions to, budgetary and   reporting groups, as well other Federal R&D Agencies. It also includes developing and sharing best practices regarding the assessment and evaluation of IPS programs, as well as maintaining awareness of related NSF activities, notably COV processes, statistical reporting, and program activities in facilities and technology policy.
  • Serve as a point of contact for IPS activity outcomes for OCE. Coordinate the development and submission of highlights for all IPS programs managed within OCE. Work with the Division Director and the IPS Section Head on approval of the IPS highlights. An understanding of the breadth of the oceanographic facilities, ocean education and ocean technology development programs supported by IPS and the Division is required.
  • Support and provide outreach activities for the IPS Section and the Division, particularly to those programs at the intersections to the Division's facilities, ocean education and ocean technology development portfolio.
  • Assists the Division Director and Section Head in the oversight of Committee of Visitor processes, providing guidance to the Division and programs on results-oriented activities.
  • Draws on knowledge of the IPS program portfolios and results to assist in the merit review and award oversight processes as appropriate, particularly for the Division's multidisciplinary activities.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Background investigation.
  • 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 (Foreign Talent Definitions).  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.

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 Ocean Sciences or a related field; OR a Master’s degree in Ocean Sciences or a 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 MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds

This announcement is open to (All US Citizens OR current NSF employees) 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. Knowledge and experience in utilizing complex data management systems, standard data programming and management languages for data analysis, program grants monitoring, and tracking of Section’s and Division’s research facilities, technology and education programs.
  2. Ability to identify, collect, incorporate, analyze trends and outcomes, and report on data from internal and external sources (such as websites, online resources, and published materials) relevant to the Section’s and Division's programmatic goals. 
  3. Ability to communicate effectively both in verbal or written formats with internal Program Directors and external representatives from the ocean science and research facilities community on programs, policies, and plans.
  4. Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a high-visibility and fast-paced working environment that includes multiple internal and external Senior Executive Service (SES) members, high ranking Administratively Determined (AD) officials, and General Schedule (GS) staff.
  5. Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and recognize the status and essential characteristics of programs and develop statistical and graphical reports, analyses and presentations regarding the significance of their objectives to the NSF mission.  
  6. Demonstrated experience in conducting moderately complex analyses regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of existing ocean science community research facilities, technical support, and educational programs, which includes the ability to gather, analyze and present data analysis by utilizing research trends and results tracking.

To preview questions please click here.

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