Duties

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Director position for Transport Phenomena, AI, and Data Initiatives within the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET), Directorate of Engineering, Alexandria, VA.

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Responsibilities

The mission of the Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET) Division is to support innovative research and education in the fields of chemical engineering, biotechnology, bioengineering, and environmental engineering, and in areas that involve the transformation and/or transport of matter and energy by chemical, thermal, or mechanical means. CBET research and education investments contribute significantly to the knowledge base and to the development of a 21st century workforce for major components of the U.S. economy, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, forest products, metals, petroleum, natural gas, food, textiles, energy utilities, alternative energy sources, microelectronics, and other sectors. Support for environmental research encompasses pollution prevention and remediation as well as life-cycle analysis.

Working closely with colleagues in CBET and throughout NSF, the incumbent will have primary responsibility for AI and data related activities. Additionally, the incumbent will work with programs in the Transport Phenomenon Cluster to provide proposal and award management as well as cluster portfolio and planning. Specific duties will include:

• Manage solicitations, programs and budgets.
• Conduct award oversight activities.
• Serve on intra-agency and interagency committees pertaining to CBET's interests in AI and data science.
• Undertake other program director responsibilities as needed. Develop solicitations and Dear Colleague Letters. Manage proposal review, ensuring a rigorous and fair process with appropriate participation by members of underrepresented groups.
• Proactively support NSF's strategic goals in the area of broadening participation.
• Conduct outreach to the stakeholder community on NSF's programs and merit review processes and to solicit input on the forefront of science and engineering research.

Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. In support of that, Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies that may lead to development of interagency collaborations. Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations, administer awards, and undertake interaction with research communities in these fields. They are also responsible for service to Foundation-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: (1) Expand knowledge in science, engineering, and learning, (2) Advance the capability of the Nation to meet current and future challenges, and (3) Enhance NSF's performance of its mission. The position requires a commitment to high standards of intellectualism and ethical conduct, a considerable breadth of interest, receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
04

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation.
• 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

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

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

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a field of engineering plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

The position requires a broad knowledge of the relevant disciplinary areas of the Division of Chemical, Biological, Environmental and Transport Systems and knowledge of the general scientific community. Prior experience in working with a Federal research funding program is required. Experience working within a team environment and some administrative skills (budget, people) are needed. Appointees are expected to function effectively both within a specific program and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams. Knowledge about multidisciplinary research and international collaboration is highly desirable.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

Education

Additional information

Please note: NSF IPA's are not considered agency employees and are not eligible to apply.

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.

This announcement is open to 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. 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

Stature in the engineering research community.

Knowledge of current engineering research.

Demonstrated ability to create and manage grant programs.

Experience in developing national research strategy.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

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 should upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to adsearch@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 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:

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.