All new SES members serve a one-year probationary period.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information. US Citizenship Required.
Please note, this position is also being advertised for appointment under the IPA authority. For more information on how to be considered under the IPA appointment authority, please see the "Other Information" section.
The Assistant Director, Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), is responsible for the conduct of NSF's programs to support investigator-initiated research in all areas of the mathematical and physical sciences and related fields, fostering broad interdisciplinary collaboration, maintaining infrastructure in support of mathematical and physical sciences research, supporting opportunities for research and education, and contributes to the development of a mathematical and physical sciences workforce with skills essential for success in the increasingly competitive global market. He or she serves as the Director's principal advisor in matters relating to the purview of the Directorate. The incumbent is responsible for formulating long-range plans, annual programs and priorities, and research policy within the framework of statutory and National Science Board authority.
MPS is organized into five divisions and the Office of Strategic Initiatives under leadership of Division Directors who report to the Assistant Director. The mission of MPS is to harness the collective efforts of the mathematical and physical sciences communities to address the most compelling scientific questions, educate the future advanced high-tech workforce, and promote discoveries to meet the needs of the Nation. MPS supports frontier research in ground-based astronomy and provides access to world-class research facilities; funds the development of new instrumentation and facilities; seeks to transform chemical discovery and innovation; supports the creation of new materials, new knowledge, and new instrumentation to investigate materials phenomena; supports a wide range of projects that develop and explore the properties and applications of mathematical structures; enables research across the entire field of experimental physics, from atomic, molecular and optical physics, to gravitational and particle physics, to astrophysics, to the physics of living systems; and facilitates and supports research and education opportunities that cross traditional boundaries.
One year probationary period required for all new Career SES appointments
Requires an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure OGE-278
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Qualifications
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as "ineligible."
1. Leading Change. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent in this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
2. Leading People. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent in this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
3. Results-Driven Leadership. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent in this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
4. Business Acumen. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
5. Building Coalitions. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, non-profit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the MTQs for this vacancy. You must address each MTQ qualification separately.
Essential
Senior management experience in academia, government, not-for-profit, and/or private sector and ability to lead on issues related to the needs of the academic and industrial research communities (including human resources, equipment, and facilities).
Demonstrated ability to work effectively on science policy and interdisciplinary matters with scientific and technical staff from many disciplines, and to liaise with high-level officials of the federal government, scientific/engineering academic communities, and with officials of major scientific professional organizations.
Knowledge of grant and contract administration, fiscal management, and budget preparation with experience in scientific research support.
Desired
Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience, or a combination of education and equivalent experience in mathematical sciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy, materials science or other related field or sub-discipline.
When responding to the MTQ and ECQ qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the ECQs and MTQs.
Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of the programs managed and program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.
Applicants who do not provide narrative statements addressing both the ECQs and MTQs will be rated as ineligible.
Applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ); but a narrative statement for each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) is required.
The Senior Executive Service (SES) covers managerial positions above GS-15 in the Federal Service. Persons appointed to the SES are eligible for health benefits, life insurance, social security, Federal retirement and thrift savings plan coverage, and participate in the Federal leave system. Competitive status is not required, veteran's preference does not apply and there are no grade restrictions.
Relocation expenses may be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
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. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
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 and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
Only applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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.
Applicants will be screened for basic eligibility according to the qualification requirements. Eligible applicants will be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel according to the criteria based on the qualification requirements. The best qualified candidates will be referred to the appropriate official who will recommend selection. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit reason.
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.
1. Resume: Submit a resume or CV to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers.
Educational information, including the name, city and state of your colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received.
Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:
- Job title (include series and grade, if Federal job)
- Duties and accomplishments
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)
- Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
2.MTQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing the Mandatory Technical Qualifications for this vacancy. Applicants who do not provide a narrative statement addressing each MTQ individually will be rated as ineligible.
3.ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual Executive Core Qualification. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligible, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #4. Applicants who do not provide a narrative statement individually addressing each ECQ will be rated as ineligible.
4.All current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their Qualification Review Board (QRB) certificate.
Additional Documentation: 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. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
Please review your application packet to ensure that you have submitted all documentation that you want considered
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.
1. Resume: Submit a resume or CV to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers.
Educational information, including the name, city and state of your colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received.
Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:
- Job title (include series and grade, if Federal job)
- Duties and accomplishments
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)
- Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
2.MTQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing the Mandatory Technical Qualifications for this vacancy. Applicants who do not provide a narrative statement addressing each MTQ individually will be rated as ineligible.
3.ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual Executive Core Qualification. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligible, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #4. Applicants who do not provide a narrative statement individually addressing each ECQ will be rated as ineligible.
4.All current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their Qualification Review Board (QRB) certificate.
Additional Documentation: 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. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
Please review your application packet to ensure that you have submitted all documentation that you want considered
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.
