The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a Physical Science Administrator (Program Director) position for the Antarctic Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (AOAS) Program, within the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a Physical Science Administrator (Program Director) position for the Antarctic Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (AOAS) Program, within the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
The Antarctic Program supports cutting-edge research that (1) expands fundamental knowledge of the Antarctic region and the natural laboratory it represents across a range of disciplines, (2) improves understanding of interactions between the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region and the Earth system, and (3) utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic continent as an observing platform. The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) supports scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean with logistics provided by OPP's Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL).
The Program Director is responsible for managing an Ocean and Atmospheric science proposal driven grants program, providing scientific leadership and advocacy for the new Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Project, overseeing a broad Ocean and Atmospheric science research portfolio, communicating with the scientific community, and interacting across NSF. The AOAS program includes a broad portfolio of research that covers atmospheric dynamics, transport, and chemistry; physical, biological and chemical oceanography; biogeochemical cycles and controls on marine productivity; sea ice dynamics and ice shelf/ocean interactions; as well as energy budgets and climate dynamics. The AOAS program director provides leadership on the science priorities, justifications and specifications for the new ARV and communicates these priorities and specifications to the science community. The AOAS program director coordinates with Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL), including the ARV Program Manager, other programs in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)and other programs throughout NSF, and other funding agencies and international partners to achieve program goals.
Applicants are not required to have had prior Antarctic or polar experience to be considered for this position. However, the incumbent must demonstrate experience leading sea-going research programs or demonstrate experience managing a similar sized research and ship-focused portfolio for another federal agency. This can include experience in one or more of the research areas described above.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities Management
Manages the merit review process for the AOAS Program in accordance with NSF policies and develops recommendations for awards based on reviewer advice, knowledge of the research proposed, and appropriate regard for program balance.
Provides leadership on the science priorities and specifications for the new ARV and serves as a conduit between the science community and ARV Program Office.
Oversees NSF-funded Antarctic science programs within the AOAS portfolio.
Manages AOAS program resources. Convenes external oversight and management reviews as necessary.
Planning
Leads and facilitates research community activities to develop long-range scientific plans for ocean and atmospheric sciences in the Antarctic with awareness for the total scope and nature of polar research activities, the resources available or required including ships, and the national and international interests to be served. Functions as an agent for change when improvement, innovation, or redirection of activities is warranted.
Develops educational and other initiatives to promote diversity in the AOAS Program.
Works with other Section and Office managers to plan and implement Antarctic field projects and ensures efficient utilization of resources by projects deployed to Antarctica.
Coordination
Serves as AOAS Program's representative on national and international scientific committees having a related scientific purview.
Serves as the focal point for the coordination of program plans related to AOAS with other NSF programs, other Federal agencies, and with other nation's Antarctic programs.
Serves on NSF committees and working groups, as required.
Deployment
Essential to duties of this position is deployment as NSF Science Representative to Antarctica for periods of several weeks each year. This requires that the program director be cleared medically for remote deployment.
As part of annual Antarctic deployment, the incumbent reviews field programs and evaluates existing support modes and practices to streamline science support requirements and improve science support infrastructure for research across all research areas supported by the Antarctic Program.
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.
Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to U.S. Antarctic Program medical and dental standards for extended summer deployment to Antarctica.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in an Ocean Sciences or Ocean based Atmospheric Sciences plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
Applicants are not required to have had prior Antarctic or polar experience to be considered for this position. Successful candidates will have must demonstrated experience leading sea-going research programs or experience managing a similar sized research and ship-focused portfolio for another federal agency.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, please also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
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 Ocean or Atmospheric Sciences as demonstrated by publications, invited talks, and/or other professional experience. Knowledge and understanding of the Southern Ocean is preferred.
Knowledge and understanding of ship based science operations preferably with Polar Class vessels.
Professional bearing, interpersonal communications skills and ability to present and convincingly defend program policies and plans to peers, the science community, representatives of other federal agencies, foreign national programs, managers of related organizations and senior managers in NSF.
Research, analytical and technical writing skills which evidence the ability to manage an externally reviewed proposal-driven grants program and to perform extensive inquiry into a wide variety of significant issues and make recommendations and decisions based on findings.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
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 cover letter describing your background and how it relates to the position, 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. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
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 cover letter describing your background and how it relates to the position, 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. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
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.
