This Program Director for Facilities (Physical Scientist) position is located in the Division of Physics (PHY), within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) at the National Science Foundation.
For more information on MPS, please click here.
For more information on PHY, please click here.
Summary
This Program Director for Facilities (Physical Scientist) position is located in the Division of Physics (PHY), within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) at the National Science Foundation.
For more information on MPS, please click here.
For more information on PHY, please click here.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
The Physics Division at the National Science Foundation supports research infrastructure whose purpose is to enable the physics community to advance the intellectual frontiers of science by answering the most important questions of our time. These range in scale from MREFC-scale facilities to midscale projects. Sited at locations around the world, they frequently involve international collaborations of physicists to plan, implement, and operate and have lifecycles that can extend decades from conceptualization to ultimate decommissioning.
The Program Director for Facilities is responsible for management and oversight of one or more large projects supported by the Division, including planning, construction, and operations. The Program Director works with the scientific community, other PHY program officers, relevant offices at NSF, and interagency and international partners to assure the highest standards of program management.
The responsibilities of the Program Director for Facilities include, for example, long-term planning and budget development for research infrastructure projects in the division, the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations, oversight of awards, the preparation of press releases and other materials describing advances in the research supported, and coordination and liaison with other programs in NSF and other Federal agencies and organizations. Additional duties and responsibilities include:
PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT - FACILITIES
Develops, interprets, initiates, and implements policies, plans, and procedures for design, fabrication, construction, commissioning, and operations of complex research facilities in support of the PHY and NSF mission.
Manages an effective, timely merit review process for evaluation of proposals.
Manages the review and administration of projects including design and development of future facility-class projects, mid-scale projects, construction projects, and operations and performance of existing projects. Conducts technical, cost, schedule, and management reviews of projects. Evaluates project progress on project status and issues.
Works closely with the Division Program Directors responsible for scientific areas served by the projects, including close collaboration and joint actions to ensure the projects and science goals are coordinated and simultaneously met.
Encourages efforts in education and outreach and promotes the increase in participation of those traditionally underrepresented in science.
Plans and budgets for the projects, in consultation with the Division Director. Prepares all relevant documentation, working closely with related NSF staff (e.g. Large Facilities Office, MPS, Office of General Counsel, etc.)
Plans for evolution and/or divestment of the facility or projects in response to budget constraints and recommendations from advisory groups, including costs, environmental factors, and recruitment of partners.
Manages program resources with appropriate scientific judgment to ensure integrity and consistency in the facilities management and award/declination process without conflict of interests, and with balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and participation of all qualified scientists.
Controls waste, fraud and abuse.
REPRESENTATION, COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP
Represents the Program, Physics Division, and the Foundation within the scientific community, with other NSF Divisions, with other appropriate agencies and organizations, and with the public, accurately reflecting NSF policy and positions. Represents the NSF and the Physics Division, as required, on national and international committees, boards, panels, etc.
Prepares and conducts management briefings as required by NSF management for project-related activities.
Coordinates community engagement planning, including outreach and environmental impact studies. Furthers goals of NSF, MPS, and PHY regarding relations and interactions with both the national and international community involved in the oversight, operations, and governance of facilities.
Participates in staff, panel, committee and other meetings, providing input relevant to the facilities and/or Division.
Pursues and/or is responsive to assignment on special projects and temporary function teams across the Foundation to solve problems, improve staff communication, and effect coordination for special programs.
Contributes ideas and effort to improving the quality of policies and NSF's performance of the overall mission.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Establishes contacts and maintains active involvement in Program and related areas through participation in professional activities. Maintains familiarity with current research developments. Pursues individual research as workload and travel funds permit.
Expands administrative capabilities through training courses or assumption of new responsibilities or management.
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
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.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a 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. You must identify the date that your degree was obtained.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
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
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.
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.
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
Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and theories relevant to one or more of the disciplinary areas within the purview of the Division of Physics, as demonstrated by publications, invited talks, and other professional activities and recognition. Demonstrated familiarity with scientific developments and with the research community broadly across the subfields of physical science within the purview of the Division of Physics.
Extensive experience in the management and oversight of major scientific facilities; detailed understanding of the resource needs of the physics community and appropriate modes of support; ability to recognize current and emerging science trends and recommend new directions.
Expert knowledge and understanding of project management in order to plan, direct, and evaluate the highly complex construction of scientific facilities. This includes knowledge of federal regulations and requirements for large construction projects.
Superior skill in applying analytic reasoning to complex issues and problems identifying the key priorities, solutions, and options, and making recommendations.
Significant experience managing budgets, making funding decisions for awards to the most worthy proposals, ensuring that those funded reflect a diverse range of scientific opportunities and strong broader impacts (e.g., advancing discovery and understanding; promoting teaching, training and learning, broadening participation of underrepresented groups; enhancing infrastructure for research and education).
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact effectively and productively with peers, co-workers, and management at all levels of NSF; members of the scientific community; related organizations; other federal agencies; and international programs to effectively present, advocate, and advance program policies, plans, and goals.
NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the agency's overall mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education that contribute to the nation's technical strength, security, and welfare. To fulfill this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.
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.
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. 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 upload 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. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. 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.
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.
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 USA Staffing 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 online 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 submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket 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" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
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 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. 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 upload 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. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. 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.
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.
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 USA Staffing 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 online 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 submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket 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" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
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.
