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!
NSF is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Manager (Biological Research Infrastructure Manager) position for the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) in Alexandria, VA. Click here for additional information.
Summary
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!
NSF is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Manager (Biological Research Infrastructure Manager) position for the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) in Alexandria, VA. Click here for additional information.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
This position is in the Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). DBI is responsible for administering competitions and award oversight for infrastructure investments for BIO. DBI supports investments to build a robust and resilient national infrastructure that advances fundamental biological research to transform our future. To realize this vision, DBI invests in the innovation and capacity-building of cutting edge research infrastructure for fundamental biological science that includes human capital, technologies, institutes, centers, and mid-to-large scale facilities.
DBI is responsible for overseeing infrastructure investments, particularly large and complex ones, to meet the growing needs of the biological sciences research community and enable US researchers to remain competitive in a global research environment. These programs include institutes, centers, midscale research infrastructure, and facilities. In DBI, the Centers, Facilities, and Additional Research Infrastructure (CFARI) Cluster is responsible for overseeing ~$150 million annual expenditures for these medium to large-scale investments.
The Biological Research Infrastructure Manager will be a key member of the CFARI cluster and work across all CFARI programs to provide the essential project management expertise during the competition, management, and oversight of programs and awards. The primary responsibility of the Infrastructure Manager will be to provide project management expertise and collaborate with CFARI Program Directors, the DBI Science Advisor for Centers and Cooperative Agreements, and DBI leadership to ensure the highest quality oversight of the CFARI portfolio of programs and awards.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Developing guidance and procedures related to the oversight of research infrastructure.
Project management good practices and interpretation of agency policies and procedures to NSF staff and the research infrastructure recipient community.
Providing assurance to NSF Leadership and external stakeholders that NSF policies and procedures related to research infrastructure award oversight are being followed.
Supporting the needs of the research and education enterprise either through programmatic, divisional, directorate, agency, or interagency activities.
Providing assurance in close coordination with DBI leadership and the science programs, that all elements of the awarded projects (cost, cost projections, scope, schedule, and contingencies) are adequately defined and managed by the recipients.
Assessing vulnerabilities in large infrastructure awards; leads the DBI strategic team for the minimization and oversight of risks, including planning, identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring of risks, as well as utilization of a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools to assess risk exposure and impact.
Providing expert advice and independent assessments in topical areas specific to infrastructure awards such as cost estimates and projections, proposed budgets, schedule and contingency estimates, Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk management/analysis.
Other duties and projects as assigned.
Control waste, fraud, and abuse. Representation, Communication and Leadership
Representing DBI, BIO and NSF with the major research infrastructure community, other NSF entities, appropriate Federal agencies, professional organizations, and the public, accurately reflecting NSF policy and positions.
Preparing and disseminating a variety of informational documents which may include data on progress being made toward NSF's goals, lessons learned and good practices.
Pursue NSF’s diversity and inclusion goals.
Professional Development
Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in Program and Project Management related areas through participation in professional activities.
Maintain familiarity with salient current research infrastructure developments. Pursue individual professional development as workload and travel funds permit.
Expand administrative competencies through training courses or assumption of new management responsibilities.
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.
Applicant may be required to complete a background security investigation before being 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 represented by AFGE Local 3403.
Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in any life or physical science, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a Master’s degree in any life or physical science, plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. You must identify the date that your degree was obtained.
Qualified candidates should have:
Project management experience with complex large-scale projects.
Specialized experience in quantitative and qualitative tools for minimizing and oversight of risk as well as for maximizing deliverables on scope such as through cost estimates and projections, critical path analyses, schedule and contingency estimates, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
Demonstrated record of oral and written communication to a broad range of internal and external stakeholders including the research infrastructure community, appropriate federal agencies, and professional organizations.
Experience leading and being part of team-based management projects.
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 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. 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, 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
Demonstrate mastery of project management principles, practices and techniques that achieve results that significantly enhance the strength and potential of large, complex research infrastructure projects.
Develop and implement policies, procedures and best practices related to the design, construction, operation, and divestment of major facilities and other scientific infrastructure.
Assure compliance with applicable government wide Uniform Guidance and NSF policies, processes, and procedures for federal grant recipients as well as government and industry best-practices related to infrastructure awards and programs.
Demonstrated research, collaborative, and leadership experience and accomplishments in scientific infrastructure management.
Ability to communication with a broad range of audiences from STEM researchers and educators to decision makers.
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 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. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. 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.
You should upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to adsearch@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 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 must be submitted online and all document 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 Applicant Guide.
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) 292-5090 for 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. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview if interviews are conducted.
Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. 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.
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.
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. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. 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.
You should upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to adsearch@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 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 must be submitted online and all document 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 Applicant Guide.
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) 292-5090 for 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. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview if interviews are conducted.
Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. 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.
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.
