NSF is one of the best places to work! In 2021, NSF was ranked No. 2 among mid-sized agencies in the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® Rankings. Come join our talented and diverse workforce and help us keep NSF at the frontier of discovery!
This position is located in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO), Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) at NSF.
NSF is one of the best places to work! In 2021, NSF was ranked No. 2 among mid-sized agencies in the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® Rankings. Come join our talented and diverse workforce and help us keep NSF at the frontier of discovery!
This position is located in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO), Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) at NSF.
Any US Citizen and ICTAP/CTAP eligibles. A Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. Rule of Three, Veterans Preference and traditional rating/tanking does not apply.
The incumbent works collaboratively with others to perform tasks in support of Division Management and Program Directors and ensures that the function meets the scientific objectives and goals of the Division and the Directorate. The incumbent serves as the key scientific support person in the Division, responsible for the portfolio analysis of the Division's Investments in biological research and education. Specifically:
PROGRAM ANALYSIS AND REPORTING:
Serves as an analytical resource for scientific attributes of the Directorate portfolio and answers questions about how to access critical program data and analytical information. Develops, maintains, and updates program databases, (e.g., reviewer database, outreach/site visit database, facilities database), including the assignment of scientific attributes, such as expertise of the reviewers and outcomes of outreach and site visits.
Gathers raw data from multiple scientific sources, such as literature databases and scientific databases in order to design queries; and analyzes and presents findings to management for analysis of scientific and infrastructure trends and business process improvement.
Prepares analytical, comparative and statistical reports of program activities and scientific accomplishments in biological and related sciences, including analysis and reporting of scientific impacts of the Directorate investments.
Conducts program analysis of the different areas of biosciences supported by the Directorate. Drafts routine analyses, reports and presentations for other staff review and use.
MERIT REVIEW:
Works with other staff to organize and oversee the proposal review process and on the classification of scientific areas in each portfolio.
Responds to routine or complex inquiries from principal investigators/reviewers related to programmatic issues requiring professional scientific knowledge and judgment about research policy.
Manages technical preparation for Advisory Committee and Committee of Visitors meetings (e.g., data collection, data analysis, preparation of portfolio analyses in scientific areas of strategic importance).
OUTREACH AND COORDINATION:
Identifies outreach needs from the research community and works with other staff to develop outreach plans, and interfaces with other Divisions/Directorates to plan and coordinate outreach/site visit activities.
Oversees the coordination of logistical support for outreach activities and workshops; and drafts technical materials related to NSF supported research activities for presentations, tutorials, workshops, training, and poster sessions.
May represent NSF by staffing booths at workshops and conferences, answering questions and providing information.
BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT:
Works collaboratively with other team members to restructure work process, standardize procedures, and implement changes for organizations supported.
Evaluates the effectiveness of administrative procedures and the consistency of their contributions to the accomplishment of organization/program goals and objectives.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
Plans, develops, coordinates, organizes, implements, communicates, and tracks project plans, guidelines, procedures and timetables, including recommending changes in policy and management activities for these projects.
Performs management studies to evaluate and measure the progress and success of projects assigned to identify and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cross-directorate programs and activities.
Collects pertinent statistical data and narrative information from a variety of sources within and outside NSF.
Participates in management meetings held to make decisions with regard to modifying or initiating programs or projects.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
US citizenship.
Selectee may be required to serve a 1-year trial/probationary period
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 & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
Experience refers to paid/unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) & other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, & skills & can provide valuable training/experience that translates directly to paid work. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade/equivalent.
You must meet eligibility & qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire & any external assessment that is included.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.
Qualifications
All applicants must meet the OPM basic education requirements for a GS-0401 position.
Basic Requirements:
1. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in #1 above, plus appropriate specialized experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement noted above, all applicants must meet one of the following:
2. You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the federal service to qualify for this position. Examples of specialized experience include providing scientific and analytical support for merit review and award management and oversight processes; preparing analytical and statistical reports of program activities and scientific accomplishments in biological sciences; and scientific and technical analysis, documentation, and writing in support of reports and presentations regarding the biological research portfolios.
OR
have completed 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree
OR
possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biological Sciences or a related field of study.
Education
You must meet the minimum education requirements as described in “Qualifications." If qualifying based on education, you must submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met.requirement is met.
Additional information
This position is being filled under a Direct Hire authority. Veterans Preference does not apply.
Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least “Very Good” on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources
Veteran's Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the VA letter or other required documentation as specified on the SF-15.
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.
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.
This position is being advertised under a Direct Hire Authority. The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. An additional Subject Matter Expert hurdle assessment may be utilized. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration. Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or CTAP must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." In NSF categories, this means at least “Very Good" with a score of 90 or above.
Formal performance appraisals may be considered if voluntarily submitted by the applicant.
Competencies:
Program Analysis and Reporting
Policy Implementation and Organization Performance
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.
All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.
Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your "member copy 4 version" of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, and/or want to be considered under the Disabled Veterans non-competitive hiring authority, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the VA letter or other documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.
You must submit proof of meeting the basic education requirement described in the QUALIFICATIONS paragraph. Therefore, you should submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) and/or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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 should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the 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 Applicant Guide.
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) 292-5090 for assistance.
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.
All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.
Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your "member copy 4 version" of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, and/or want to be considered under the Disabled Veterans non-competitive hiring authority, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the VA letter or other documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.
You must submit proof of meeting the basic education requirement described in the QUALIFICATIONS paragraph. Therefore, you should submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) and/or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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 should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the 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 Applicant Guide.
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) 292-5090 for assistance.
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.
