The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking qualified candidates for STEM Assistant positions. These positions may be established within any NSF Directorate/Office.
This announcement will close on May 18, 2026, or once 200 applications are received, whichever occurs first.
Summary
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking qualified candidates for STEM Assistant positions. These positions may be established within any NSF Directorate/Office.
Applications will be accepted from all U.S. citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Additional Information" and "Required Documents" sections for further information.
The STEM Assistant provides programmatic, analytical, and administrative support to NSF program staff in the development, coordination, and execution of merit review activities and related research initiatives. This entry- to early-career position supports the full lifecycle of the merit review process, while also contributing to research, data analysis, and the development of programmatic reports and materials.
The STEM Assistant plays a critical role in strengthening and supporting NSF's merit review process, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and advancing program portfolios. This position provides a pathway to higher-level analytical or program management roles.
Major Duties
Merit Review Support
Coordinate logistics for merit review panels, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and supporting virtual or in-person sessions.
Assist in the preparation and distribution of panel materials and documentation for merit review.
Provide real-time support during review meetings, including note-taking.
Maintain accurate records of review meeting proceedings.
Reviewer Identification and Support
Conduct research to identify and recommend potential reviewers.
Assist in outreach and communication with prospective reviewers.
Maintain reviewer databases.
Programmatic and Analytical Support
Conduct background research and literature reviews.
Compile, analyze, and summarize data.
Prepare reports and briefing materials.
Solicitation and Documentation Development
Assist in drafting and editing program solicitations and other communications.
Review documents for clarity and consistency.
Administrative and Operational Support
Provide administrative support and track deadlines.
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.
Selectee may be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
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.
It is NSF policy that personnel employed at, or Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) individuals detailed to, NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign 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.
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.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, candidates must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited institution leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in one of the following:
For the 0101 series, a degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
For the 0401 series, a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
For the 0801 series, a degree in engineering to include those specialty engineering fields.
For the 1301 series, a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics.
For the 1501 series, a degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science.
For the 1701 series, a degree in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position.
Transcripts (official or unofficial) that include the degree date of conferral must be upload prior to the closing date of the vacancy in order to be considered for this position.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
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.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
This announcement is open to All U.S. Citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.
This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
You are highly encouraged to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) below. This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.
Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs)
1. Merit Review Coordination
Ability to support peer or merit review processes, including scheduling, coordinating logistics, preparing materials, and supporting reviewer convenings.
2. Research & Analytical Ability
Ability to conduct research, gather and synthesize information, and produce clear summaries or analyses to support programmatic decisions.
3. Written Communication & Document Development
Skill in drafting, editing, and reviewing professional documents, including reports, summaries, or program materials.
4. Organization, Coordination & Attention to Detail
Ability to manage multiple assignments, track progress, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Support
Ability to work effectively with other program staff, reviewers, and external stakeholders while providing responsive, professional support.
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 are required to submit a legible resume that is no longer than two pages. IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the two-page resume will be reviewed to determine if your technical qualifications for this position meet the requirements listed in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement. Additional information beyond your two-page resume (e.g., cover letters, links to additional information, a Curriculum Vitae) will not be reviewed to determine if the basic qualification requirements are met. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.
In addition to the two-page resume, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) may be submitted as a Supplemental Application document for consideration during the evaluation process.
Applicants may also submit an optional cover letter.
In addition, applicants may choose to submit responses addressing the quality ranking factors with their application. While not required, submission of these responses is strongly encouraged, as they may be used to further assess candidates during the evaluation process, post referral.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how their background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in their CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
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.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your resume. 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 Time (ET) 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, visit the USAJOBS Help Center. 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 are required to submit a legible resume that is no longer than two pages. IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the two-page resume will be reviewed to determine if your technical qualifications for this position meet the requirements listed in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement. Additional information beyond your two-page resume (e.g., cover letters, links to additional information, a Curriculum Vitae) will not be reviewed to determine if the basic qualification requirements are met. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.
In addition to the two-page resume, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) may be submitted as a Supplemental Application document for consideration during the evaluation process.
Applicants may also submit an optional cover letter.
In addition, applicants may choose to submit responses addressing the quality ranking factors with their application. While not required, submission of these responses is strongly encouraged, as they may be used to further assess candidates during the evaluation process, post referral.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how their background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in their CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
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.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your resume. 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 Time (ET) 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, visit the USAJOBS Help Center. 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.
