The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a Science Analyst position for the Arctic Sciences Section (ARC) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Office of Polar Programs (OPP) in Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a Science Analyst position for the Arctic Sciences Section (ARC) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Office of Polar Programs (OPP) 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.
The NSF science analyst works with program officers and/or senior staff to provide an integrated and responsible effort for a research program or an area of a research program. The goals and core strategies of NSF's Strategic Plan set the framework for all activities. The goals are (1) to enable the
United States to uphold a position of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, and engineering, (2) to promote the dissemination and employment of new knowledge in service to society, and (3) achieve excellence in U.S. science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships.
Generically, a science analyst is involved in a range of activities, for example, planning, budget development, the merit review and proposal recommendation processes, the preparation of written material about the research areas supported, and liaison with other NSF programs, Federal agencies, and organizations.
The Science Analyst - Executive Secretary of IARPC supports the creation and implementation of the Arctic Research Plan and promotes collaboration among federal agencies focused on or supporting Arctic research. The Executive Secretary supports coordination among the federal IARPC members, the US Arctic Research Commission (USARC), and the Arctic Executive Steering Committee (AESC) and maintains collaboration with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and other White House and federal interagency bodies, such as Department of State's Arctic Policy Group (APG).
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The OPP/ARC science analyst contributes to the efforts of the OPP Arctic Sciences Section under the leadership of the Section Head and Program Officers. The science analyst primarily serves as the Executive Secretary for the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), of which NSF is the lead among eighteen federal agencies. The NSF Director chairs the IARPC Principals, representing senior leadership from the other IARPC agencies. Other intra- and inter-agency duties are performed as assigned. Work falls under three broad categories: external liaison and
communication, program and project planning and management, and professional development. The Executive Secretary works closely with the IARPC Executive Director within OSTP and leads the Secretariat (contracted staff) to promote communication and coordination among federal agencies regarding federally-funded research activities in the Arctic. The Executive Secretary also facilitates transparency of federal Arctic research programs by promoting dissemination of research results and by developing and maintaining relationships with non-federal organizations with interests in federally-funded Arctic activities, including the State of Alaska, northern residents, local agencies, tribal entities, and international bodies. The Executive Secretary ensures that IARPC continues to thrive as an interagency coordination group and complies with the requirements of the Arctic Research Policy Act of 1984, as amended, including developing and implementing the Arctic Research Plan and biennial reporting.
EXTERNAL LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION
Communicates effectively both internally and externally to NSF in written and oral form.
Actively and effectively represents GEO/OPP internally and externally. Works effectively
and collaboratively with other members in these groups to advance NSF's or government's goals. Maintains linkages to other NSF units and other Federal agencies to form and sustain outreach partnerships and collaborations outside of OPP and NSF.
Actively and effectively participates in NSF-wide initiatives and priority areas by undertaking planning and programmatic responsibilities for crosscutting activities. Provides information to and coordinates with other elements of NSF, other agencies, industry, the scientific community, the international community, and the public concerning assigned activities.
Assists with preparing and disseminating a variety of informational documents, to include brochures and branding materials for outreach activities, newsletters, and website content.
Specific to the Executive Secretary role - Coordination with NSTC Sub-bodies
Leads on all IARPC matters pertaining to the NSTC, in coordination with the IARPC Executive Director, who serves as the IARPC liaison to the NSTC within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Work with Executive Secretaries of other NSTC bodies such as the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST), U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO), & Subcommittee on Indigenous Knowledge to hold periodic meetings of the Executive Directors and Executive Secretaries of these bodies to share information and ideas.
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 or related field; OR a Master's degree in a Physical Science plus after award of the degree, two or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
Relevant fields include Chemistry, Earth Science, Geography, Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, etc.
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
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 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
Proven ability to work independently in a challenging environment with senior executives, other management officials, and staff.
Proven ability to analyze and understand program characteristics, assessing their importance to the organization's mission while considering external factors such as legislation, laws, and regulations.
Demonstrated experience in analyzing research and educational programs, including gathering, analyzing, and presenting data for further analysis/use.
Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining connections with federal agencies, tribal entities, international organizations, and other groups to cultivate partnerships and collaborations.
Demonstrated ability to organize diverse outreach events and activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting the mission of relevant initiatives or organizations within the polar research community.
Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing, and managing complex programs and projects related to Arctic research policy.
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. 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 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. 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.
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. 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 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. 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.
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.
