The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Social Scientist (Evaluator) position in the Evaluation and Assessment Capability Section (EAC) within the Office of Integrative Activities (OIA) of the Office of the Director (OD) in Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Social Scientist (Evaluator) position in the Evaluation and Assessment Capability Section (EAC) within the Office of Integrative Activities (OIA) of the Office of the Director (OD) in 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.
EAC supports NSF decision makers by studying programs and activities and their impact on the people who participate in and benefit from NSF investments. EAC also provides centralized resources and guidance for data collection, analysis, evaluation design, surveys, and enterprise analytics. EAC engages stakeholders in identifying learning priorities which drive a broad portfolio of projects that use qualitative and quantitative methods, from simple descriptive analysis to advances in modeling, network analysis, and machine learning. These activities enable NSF to evaluate the impacts of its investments, make data-informed decisions, and promote a culture of evidence-based planning and policymaking. The EAC team is also responsible for leading the agency's efforts to comply with certain requirements of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act).
EAC Evaluators are responsible for conducting, collaborating in, and/or managing evaluations and other studies of NSF investments in:
Fundamental science and engineering research. Most NSF funding supports basic research across all science and engineering disciplines and their interdisciplinary connections, including basic research about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
People. NSF helps train current and future scientists through a range of human capital development programs supporting students, post-docs and faculty through scholarships, fellowships, research experiences, early career awards, and so on.
Strategic and cross-cutting themes. NSF investments in research and people often address areas of national priority such as sustainability, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Study design and implementation
The incumbent will work closely with others members of EAC to expand the agency's research and evaluation capability. As an expert in research and evaluation methodology, the incumbent will provide scientific, theoretical and analytic expertise for the study and assessment of policies and programs across STEM fields. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following.
Study design and implementation
Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of innovative, robust, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches to evaluating research and education STEM programs, policies and cross-cutting themes (topics, intervention approaches, and so on); these evaluations may be conducted by NSF staff, consultants, or contractors.
Develop statements of work (for external or contracted studies) or study designs and work plans (for studies conducted internally).
Prepare, review, or provide advice on requirements for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) clearance packages.
Respond to leadership requests or new agency priorities as they arise.
Technical advice/oversight
Lead Technical Evaluation Panels to evaluate proposals and budget justifications.
Serve as expert technical advisor on current evaluation practice and methods.
Ensure that evaluations conducted by NSF meet high professional standards and NSF information needs.
Work with other NSF directorates and offices and with Federal and professional bodies to identify and disseminate innovative and best evaluation practices.
After completing required training, serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for studies supported by NSF; this work includes ensuring that project objectives are attained following governing laws, regulations, and EAC evaluation guidance and principles.
Communication and Use Facilitation
Represent EAC and NSF before internal and external audiences: Communicate findings from studies, such as evaluations, to diverse audiences; this includes (1) preparing briefings and presenting to program management and senior leadership on findings, recommendations and lessons learned of strategic importance; (2) planning, directing, coordinating and writing reports, briefs, and scholarly articles in collaboration with colleagues and Agency associates; (3) giving presentations before external audiences, such as academic and professional audiences; and (4) participating in interagency councils or similar collaborative activities across federal government agencies.
Facilitate the use of evaluation findings by program officers: Organize and facilitate meetings, symposia, workshops and other discussion forums to establish a dialogue with stakeholders about findings, recommendations, implications, and lessons learned from EAC studies.
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 Social 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.
Experience would preferably be in evaluation of scientific research and education activities or the field of science of science. The incumbent must have a background or a deep understanding of public investments in science programs. A publication record in peer-reviewed journals is also preferred.
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 will not be paid.
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
Experience studying and evaluating complex investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, including research, research facilities, and education and training programs (particularly those focused on broadening participation in STEM).
Methodological training and research experience using quantitative, qualitative, multi-method, and mixed-method designs.
Experience with incorporating modern data science methods in evaluation planning, design, and implementation, such as for project selection, document and information retrieval, coding, and analysis.
Ability to communicate effectively, facilitate dialogue with stakeholders, and work productively with the scientific community, peers, and co-workers at all levels.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
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. 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.
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. 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.
