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Science Analyst

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Alexandria, Virginia
Closing date
Jun 28, 2019

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Duties

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a Science Analyst in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Science (AGS) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.

For more information on GEO please click here .

For more information on AGS please click here .

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

AGS supports fundamental research into the physical, chemical, and biological processes that impact the composition and physical phenomena and behavior of matter between the sun and the surface of the Earth. This includes a wide variety of important processes that impact humans and society, such as space weather, tropospheric weather, climate, and air quality. Specific programs include studies of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of earth's upper and lower atmosphere and its space environment, and research on climate processes and variations.

The AGS Science Analyst will primarily provide support for activities and programs within the Division. In particular, the position holder will develop and produce data analyses, reports and presentations that describe the research and facilities supported by AGS and the outcomes of that investment. This will aid in program and portfolio evaluation, inform decisions made by Division management, and help engage AGS's many stakeholders more effectively. The incumbent will also assist program officers in the solicitation and merit review of proposals for NSF funding, and the oversight of NSF awards. These tasks will involve frequent interactions with staff throughout the Division and in other parts of NSF.

Major duties for the AGS Science Analyst include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • As required by the Division Director, Sections Heads or Program Directors, develop reports, studies, and analyses of research funded by the Division and its outcomes.
  • Develop data-driven measures to aid in the evaluation of the impact (scientific and technical, economic, or societal) of the AGS portfolio, in the form of complex data and text analyses, performance metrics, and other analytics, as needed. Identify, retrieve and examine pertinent textual content and data. Validate results and analyses to ensure consistency and quality control.
  • Create presentations, graphics, and other media highlighting AGS programs and outcomes for a variety of internal and external audiences.
  • Work with AGS management and Program Directors to compile and present information on program portfolios, metrics and outcomes that inform expert assessment of the Division's program investments. Results of findings may be used at meetings of Advisory Committees, Committees of Visitors, and other internal and external fora.
  • Assist in the solicitation, merit review and award oversight processes. This will include handling or re-directing questions from the scientific community concerning AGS programs, identifying expert reviewers and assisting with the management of proposal review panels.


Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
02

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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


You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be 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.

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

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in atmospheric or geospace sciences, ocean or Earth sciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; OR a Masters' degree in atmospheric or geospace sciences, ocean or Earth sciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field plus, after award of the Master's degree, two or more years of successful research, research support, research administration, science support and logistics planning, and/or research support managerial experience pertinent to the position.

The successful applicant requires not only knowledge in the appropriate scientific discipline but also a commitment to high scientific standards, considerable breadth of scientific interest and receptivity to new ideas. Also necessary are a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

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

Education

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.

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.

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

The AGS Science Analyst must demonstrate:

1. Relevant professional experience in Atmospheric or Geospace Science or other appropriate discipline, as described below (see "Qualifications").

2. Knowledge of, and interest in, NSF's processes for supporting fundamental research and education;

3. Strong skills in research, text and data analysis, and data visualization that evidence the ability to perform extensive inquiry into research portfolios, outcomes and impacts using large, complex datasets.

4. Significant experience using programming languages relevant to processing, querying and analyzing large datasets such as Python and SQL.

5. Ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information effectively to both expert and non-expert audiences, including in written reports and oral presentations.

6. Ability to in work effectively in teams and independently, and to handle evolving expectations and tight deadlines.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

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 submit 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.

We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey . This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.

You can fax or upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to rotator@nsf.gov ; please ask him/her to put your name and the job announcement number in the subject line.

Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.

All faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. If you are faxing your information, please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed/uploaded document(s).


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

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.

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