Biological Science Administrator (Program Director)

Duties

The Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) envisions a robust and resilient national infrastructure that advances fundamental biological research to transform our future. To realize this vision, DBI invests in the innovation and capacity-building of cutting-edge research infrastructure for fundamental biological science that includes human capital, technologies, institutes and centers, and mid-to-large scale facilities.

Responsibilities of this Program Director position include working to support multiple programs and programmatic areas in the Research Resources Cluster in DBI in the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). This will include, for example, long-range planning and budget development for the research and development areas represented by these programs and programmatic areas, the administration of the NSF merit review process and post award oversight, the preparation of press releases and other materials describing advances in the research and broader impacts supported, as well as coordination and liaising with other NSF programs, Federal agencies and organizations.

A qualified Program Director will have the ability to manage a portfolio of proposals and awards across all disciplines of biology, from molecular and organismic to ecosystem scales. They are expected to have significant research and education expertise in biological informatics. Research experience is sought in areas such as, but not limited to: non-coding RNA analytics and function, phylogenetics and biodiversity, genomics, or eco-informatics research.

Preference will be given to applicants familiar with advanced computational approaches in data processing, management, and analysis, including applications of data mining, machine learning, algorithm development, modeling, and statistics to large biological data sets.

Additional duties and responsibilities include:

Program Planning and Management

• Maintain a healthy balance of support for the needs of the research and education enterprises across the programs within the Division as well as through activities across the Directorate, Foundation or with other agencies.
• Manage program resources to provide optimal and appropriate judgement to ensure integrity and consistency in the award/declination process without conflicts of interests, and with a balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions associated with the biological sciences, and participation of all qualified scientists.
• Manage an effective, timely merit review process, with attention to increasing the size and quality of the reviewer pools and insuring participation by women, minorities, and disabled scientists.
• Advise and assist in the development of short- and long-range plans, establishing goals and objectives for research and training programs across the Division as workflows require. Plan budgets for the programs considering past, present and future years, allocate resources within programs, and manage post award evaluation.

Representation, Communication and Leadership

• Represent the Programs, Division and Foundation within the scientific and education/training communities, with other NSF Divisions, with other appropriate agencies and organization, and with the public, accurately reflecting NSF policies and positions.
• Create and maintain linkages to other NSF units and other Federal agencies in pursuit of the overall NSF mission.
• Participate in staff, panel, committee and other meetings, providing input relevant to Program areas and/or Division priorities.
• Pursue affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunity goals.
• Pursue and/or be responsive to assignment on special projects and temporary functional teams from across the Foundation to solve problems, improve staff communication, and effect coordination for special programs.
• Contribute ideas and effort to improving the quality of policies and NSF's performance of the overall mission. Develop policies and plans for strengthening research and education programs across the Division.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation may be required.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.

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

Applicant may be required to complete a background security investigation before being appointed into this position.

All online applicants must provide 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.

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Biological Informatics, Biology or other related field, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. You must identify the date that your degree was obtained.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated leadership and experience working in biological informatics, the ability to work across multiple disciplines of biology as highlighted above. Preference will be given to applicants familiar with advanced computational approaches in data processing, management and analysis, including applications of data mining, machine learning, algorithm development, modeling and statistics of large biological data sets.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds

This announcement is open to (All US Citizens OR current NSF employees) 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.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.