Become a part of our mission to maintain and strengthen the vitality of the US science and engineering enterprise. For over 70 years, the National Science Foundation. 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 over 70 years, the National Science Foundation. 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.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
The objectives of the NSF Convergence Accelerator are to accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance and societal challenges, and to initiate convergence team-building capacity around exploratory, potentially high-risk proposals addressing selected convergent research topics. The NSF Convergence Accelerator (CA) funds and synergizes teams together in a cohort to work interactively toward solving national-scale societal challenges that require ideas, approaches, and techniques from a wide range of diverse disciplines, experts and sectors. Teams are composed of representatives from academia, industry, government, non-profits, and other communities of practice. Disciplines include all science and engineering fields, and also other areas like law, healthcare, communications, and business management needed to accelerate the solutions forward.
Teams selected for funding by the CA will leverage the program’s fundamental activities to include the integration of multidisciplinary research and innovation processes such as human-centered design; customer/user discovery; team science; early-stage prototyping; communications and storytelling and pitching. The overarching focus is on use-inspired research, which engages the end user early in the design process to ensure that solutions address issues of significant national and societal impact. Furthermore, the teams include a wide variety of knowledge needed to stimulate discovery and innovation, and to ensure that ideas transition to impactful benefits. In addition to expertise, partners may provide resources, services, infrastructure, and pathways for transitioning research to practice.
CA research topics originate with an ideation process. Ideas from the community are gathered through a Request for Information. For ideas that meet the program’s criteria, the CA then supports community workshops to further develop and frame the ideas to incorporate convergence research as well as collaboration among stakeholders from various disciplines. The workshop findings assist NSF in developing the final convergence research tracks to be funded for the next year.
The Senior Advisor will provide CA leadership senior-level programmatic and technical guidance associated with the Accelerator’s current and future tracks.
Specifically, the Senior Advisor will:
Engage with the existing CA track technical communities and serve as liaison on activities connected with technical topic areas, innovation and partnerships with other NSF directorates/offices, other federal departments, agencies, and offices, and other sectors including private industry.
Keep CA leadership informed of all matters of importance concerning all technical activities associated with existing and future tracks to CA leadership.
Provide systematic analyses of the current state of technical activities world-wide that support research and education in the areas represented by the CA including assessment of benefits of expanded activities, benefits of initiating national and international activities, opportunities for new partnerships, including international, public, and private sector partnerships, and the potential costs. Provides guidance and assistance in determining CA program areas that could be improved or enhanced via such new or expanded international cooperation and/or public or private partnerships.
Participate with members of the CA leadership team in the formulation of recommendations regarding the Accelerator’s goals and objectives for all technical areas and in development, evaluation, and implementation of long-range plans.
Represent the CA to a wide range of constituencies to promote increased understanding of all CA and NSF technical objectives and foster partnerships in meeting these objectives.
Be cognizant of current and proposed initiatives impacting the CA and provide timely advice on their implications on future programs and budgets. Collaborate with other units within NSF, as needed to help develop the CA response to major policy issues that arise.
Analyze and integrate scientific input and policy guidance from other federal agencies (e.g., the White House Office of Management and Budget and Office of Science and Technology Policy); the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; professional societies; the National Science Board; and other agencies and organizations into the Convergence Accelerator’s plans.
Promote diversity in the review process and other mechanisms by which the scientific community provides advisory services to the Foundation by proactively promoting the participation of groups traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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.
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.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement Safer Federal Workforce Task Force 2 pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine
Qualifications
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 to this position. You are highly encouraged to address the following professional skills within your cover letter, which will be used to evaluate your experience, education and training as related to the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position during the review process.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: Final ranking is based on an evaluation of experience, education, and training as they relate to the knowledge, skills and abilities specified in the following factors:
Broad and in-depth experience in developing, implementing, overseeing, and evaluating the incorporation of a broad range of technologies into larger systems.
Demonstrated ability to conduct program planning and review.
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and express complex issues and ideas in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
Superior skill in effectively presenting and advocating policies and plans to peer groups and to high-level decision-making and policy groups.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment with scientific, technical, civilian, and international personnel.
Broad knowledge and understanding of NSF and Convergence Accelerator mission, goals, policies, procedures, processes, and programs related to technology, innovation, and partnerships.
You must meet eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Education strongly preferred at the Ph.D. degree, or equivalent experience, in areas of past or current Convergence Accelerator technical tracks, notably in computer science or engineering.
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.
This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position.
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 applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
According to NSF policy, an individual given a permanent appointment to an Excepted position is required to serve a trial period of one year. An exception is made if the individual: a) Is currently employed by NSF under a permanent appointment and has been continuously employed in a pay status by NSF for at least 52 weeks; or b) Has completed two years of current continuous service in a similar position(s) in an Executive agency in other than a temporary appointment limited to two years or less.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
• 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) 292-5090 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Division of Human Resources Management
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
United States
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website Applicants should click ‘Track this Application’ in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
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.
• 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) 292-5090 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Division of Human Resources Management
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
United States
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website Applicants should click ‘Track this Application’ in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
